Red oval stencil from the Paris colourman “Muller”

This work and a similar companion piece were painted on cardboard panels cut from one board. The panels had been cut through the middle of a red oval colourman’s stencil on the back; turned over and aligned, the stencil could then be seen in its entirety, but the letters were blurred and difficult to read (as shown in photo). With help from J. Paul Getty Museum conservator Devi Ormond, the stencil was identified as belonging to the firm “Muller” in Paris, 1855-60.

Aside from cleaning and removal of an uneven, yellowed varnish, the project was notable for the conservation treatment of the unique silver gilt frame with metal corner decorations. The corners were gilt metal cast from a lead-based alloy that was soft enough to accommodate the inside curvature of the frame mitres. The frame was likely made in Québec. Missing corners were replaced with new ones cast from silicone moulds, simulating the originals in both appearance and ductility.