Technique

Painted fluidly with thin paint on absorbent canvas. It was rubbed down in many areas (particularly the face) as part of the painting process, softening the transition between light and shadow.

Conservation History

It was noted in 1921 that it appeared very porous around the face and hands. It was relined and resurfaced in 1925, surfaced in 1933, resurfaced in 1937, cleaned and surfaced in 1935 and 1951. In 1965 Ben Johnson noted that it was dirty and the varnish was discoloured, and it was again cleaned, revarnished and restretched. 1

Frame

Grau-style frame, dating from the late 1890s. 2