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Conservation, 1927-1972, undated

 Series

Scope and Contents

This series begins with alphabetically arranged files of correspondence regarding Johnson Collection objects sent to other institutions or individuals for conservation work. Earlier restoration of paintings done under Johnson's supervision is documented in his correspondence with Pasquale Farina, which is part of the John G. Johnson Papers. Correspondence, reports and other papers dated after 1972 are included in the "1973-1992" subseries of the "Subjects" series, in folders entitled "Conservation." This subgroup of files ends with various writings by Marceau and David Rosen, the conservator with whom Marceau worked almost exclusively during the mid-1930s and 1940s.

The second subgroup of files consists of oversized prints of paintings from the collection, identified by catalogue and inventory numbers. Most of the images are mounted on boards with affixed labels that identify various conservation or study issues, such as the degree of image magnifaction and the state of the work of art (before, during or after conservation). There are multiple images of most paintings that often depict various details. Since this is the same type of study method adopted by Marceau and Rosen during the 1940s, these images can probably be attributed to them. In fact, Rosen's name appears on the x-ray shadowgraph prints of Inv. 1350. The only images that differ in format are the comparison prints of Cat. 99 and Cat. 1182.

Dates

  • 1927-1972, undated

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

English.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research with the following exceptions. Valuations and conservation (condition) reports are restricted, with access at discretion of the archivist. Personnel records are permanently restricted. Because of their poor condition, cracked or broken glass plate negatives are also restricted but they have all been digitized.

Extent

3.5 linear feet

Arrangement

Subject files are in alphabetical order followed by images of works of art, arranged in numerical order by catalogue/inventory numbers.

Creator

Repository Details

Part of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Library and Archives Repository

Contact:
Philadelphia Museum of Art
PO Box 7646
Philadelphia PA 19101-7646 United States