Scaffolding was erected so that work on the restoration could be carried out in a safe and comfortable environment, and this also
meant that work could be done on different areas at the same time. As a precautionary measure, the ornate gilded frame was masked
so that none of the cleaning agents would find their way on to it and cause damage.
After cleaning tests, the layer of greasy surface dirt that discoloured the picture was removed with cotton swabs and Ammonium
hydroxide pH 8.5 . The picture below shows the almost black border that was added to all four sides the painting, obviously to extend
it so that it would fit the space behind the Altar, and the composition had been crudely extended on to these additions. The border itself
was made from strips cut from several different old paintings, and when the varnish was removed from the bottom right edge, a foot
was revealed which had no relation to the composition.
The completed restoration showing the improvement after the removal of the dark border additions
( the extra foot can be clearly seen at the bottom right hand side )
( the extra foot can be clearly seen at the bottom right hand side )
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