{"id":17028,"date":"2025-10-31T09:38:38","date_gmt":"2025-10-31T08:38:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/?post_type=beleef&#038;p=17028"},"modified":"2026-01-05T13:53:26","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T12:53:26","slug":"justussustermans","status":"publish","type":"beleef","link":"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/en\/beleef\/justussustermans\/","title":{"rendered":"Beneath the Varnish: Justus Sustermans\u2019 Portrait of Cosimo III de\u2019 Medici as a Child"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Halfway through her fellowship at The Phoebus Foundation, Brazilian paintings conservator Aline Assump\u00e7\u00e3o from S\u00e3o Paulo is restoring <em>Portrait of Cosimo III de&#8217; Medici as a Child<\/em>, a delicate work by Flemish master Justus Sustermans (1597\u20131681). Dating from 1649, when Cosimo was just eight, the portrait reflects Sustermans&#8217; role as court painter to the Medici family and his ability to fuse Italian and Flemish style. Here, he captured the young Cosimo in a tender play of light and shadow.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1335\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_1343-1335x2000.jpg\" alt=\"Conservator working on the child portrait of Cosimo III de&#x2019; Medici by Justus Sustermans (1649), during a detailed conservation treatment in The Phoebus Foundation&#x2019;s studio.\" class=\"wp-image-17004\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_1343-1335x2000.jpg 1335w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_1343-801x1200.jpg 801w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_1343-768x1150.jpg 768w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_1343-1025x1536.jpg 1025w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_1343-1367x2048.jpg 1367w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_1343-scaled.jpg 1709w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1335px) 100vw, 1335px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The painting presented a heavily oxidised varnish that had significantly darkened the composition and obscured the nuances and contrasts of colour. Retouchings and additions bore witness to earlier restoration campaigns. The work had also been reinforced with a lining canvas, which altered its original dimensions through the addition of six centimeters of linen along the lower edge. As a result, the proportions changed slightly and the composition was extended. This may also have prompted the reinforcement. Impressions from previous stretcher marks reveal that the painting was once stretched on a smaller frame. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Untitled-design_COLLAGE-CRO&#xA8;P-2000x1342.jpg\" alt=\"Front and reverse of the child portrait of Cosimo III de&#x2019; Medici by Justus Sustermans (1649), prior to conservation, showing yellowed varnish on the front and a lined canvas with a distorted stretcher on the reverse.\" class=\"wp-image-17008\"\/><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What is curious about this glue-based lining is that it consists of four piece of linen sewn together, forming a kind of patchwork structure. The reason for this approach remains unknown, although it is possible that a canvas of the desired size was not available at the time. Since the support showed evident deformations, a structural intervention was necessary.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The lining consists of a fine and tightly woven linen, in contrast to the original canvas, which has a much coarser weave. This structural tension between the two, together with the visible seams and the inadequate attachment to the stretcher, appears to have caused further distortions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1335\" src=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_1251-2000x1335.jpg\" alt=\"Detail of seams in the lined canvas on the reverse of a painting, visible prior to conservation, showing traces of earlier reinforcements and ageing of the linen.\" class=\"wp-image-17037\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_1251-2000x1335.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_1251-1200x801.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_1251-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_1251-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_1251-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Seams in the lining canvas<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:33.33%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"754\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_1247-754x2000.jpg\" alt=\"Detail of the edge of a painting, showing the difference in weave structure between the original canvas and the lined canvas.\" class=\"wp-image-17039\" style=\"width:193px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_1247-754x2000.jpg 754w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_1247-768x2036.jpg 768w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_1247-579x1536.jpg 579w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_1247-772x2048.jpg 772w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 754px) 100vw, 754px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The difference in weave structure between the original canvas and the lining<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cleaning the aged varnish layers and earlier retouching required great delicacy. The original canvas was loosely woven, and the paint layer revealed a fine craquelure and a porous structure. As a result, solvents could easily penetrate the canvas and cause the material to stiffen. To prevent this, a controlled and superficial cleaning was carried out, dissolving the varnish only at the surface without allowing it to pass through the canvas.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the cleaning, PVA-Borax gels enriched with agar were used, forming a subtle double-network system. This allowed for a highly controlled and superficial action of the solvent, softening the varnish layer gently without penetrating the canvas. In combination with Evolon, a fine microfibre textile that helps regulate the solvent&#8217;s activity, the yellowed varnish could be removed gradually. The result is a clearer image, revealing the decorative details in the sitter&#8217;s clothing and the delicate subtleties of the artist&#8217;s brushwork. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1335\" src=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_1332-2000x1335.jpg\" alt=\"Detail of the child portrait of Cosimo III de&#x2019; Medici during conservation, showing the use of a PVA&#x2013;borax&#x2013;agar gel for the controlled removal of varnish from the painting surface.\" class=\"wp-image-17013\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_1332-2000x1335.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_1332-1200x801.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_1332-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_1332-1536x1025.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/DSC_1332-2048x1367.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">PVA-Borax\/agar gel during varnish removal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"789\" height=\"186\" src=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Gels.jpg\" alt=\"Sequence of images showing a PVA&#x2013;borax&#x2013;agar gel gradually changing colour during conservation as dissolved varnish is absorbed into the gel matrix.\" class=\"wp-image-17015\" style=\"width:980px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Gels.jpg 789w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Gels-768x181.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 789px) 100vw, 789px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The gel gradually absorbing the dissolved varnish into its matrix<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"659\" height=\"1090\" src=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/cleaning-2_JPEG.jpg\" alt=\"Comparison of the child portrait of Cosimo III de&#x2019; Medici before and after varnish removal, with yellowed varnish on the left and restored colour, detail, and clarity on the right.\" class=\"wp-image-17032\" style=\"width:649px;height:auto\"\/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Before and after varnish removal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the preparation of the treatment, we had the opportunity to consult with Simon Bobak, London-based paintings conservator specialising in structural conservation. During his visit, we discussed several ongoing cases in the studio and the specific challenges each work presents.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For the treatment of the Portrait of Cosimo as a Child, it was decided to address the problem as locally as possible, with minimal intervention as the guiding principle. The upper edge of the canvas was found to be secured by only two nails. Through the careful use of weights and gentle humidification, the planar distortions were gradually reduced and the surface stabilised. The upper edge was then released from the stretcher and strengthened with a narrow strip-lining. The deformations have since improved, and this precise local intervention may well suffice to restore the painting&#8217;s structural integrity and visual coherence. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1662\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/deformations-1662x2000.jpg\" alt=\"Comparison of the child portrait of Cosimo III de&#x2019; Medici before and during a local treatment to reduce deformations, with the upper image showing the condition prior to intervention and the lower image showing the painting during treatment under raking light.\" class=\"wp-image-17019\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/deformations-1662x2000.jpg 1662w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/deformations-997x1200.jpg 997w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/deformations-768x924.jpg 768w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/deformations-1277x1536.jpg 1277w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/deformations-1702x2048.jpg 1702w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1662px) 100vw, 1662px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Before and during localised treatment for removal of deformations (raking light)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The restoration is still in progress. After cleaning, a protective varnish will be applied to isolate the pain layer before the next stages of treatment, such as the the filling of losses, the pictorial reintegration, and the final varnish that will complete the process. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stay tuned on our website and newsletter for the next chapter of this restoration!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Halfway through her fellowship at The Phoebus Foundation, Brazilian paintings conservator Aline Assump\u00e7\u00e3o from S\u00e3o Paulo is restoring Portrait of Cosimo III de&#8217; Medici as a Child, a delicate work by Flemish master Justus Sustermans (1597\u20131681). Dating from 1649, when Cosimo was just eight, the portrait reflects Sustermans&#8217; role as court painter to the Medici family and his ability to fuse Italian and Flemish style. Here, he captured the young Cosimo in a tender play of light and shadow. The painting presented a heavily oxidised varnish that had significantly darkened the composition and obscured the nuances and contrasts of colour. Retouchings and additions bore witness to earlier restoration campaigns. The work had also been reinforced with a lining canvas, which altered its original dimensions through the addition of six centimeters of linen along the lower edge. As a result, the proportions changed slightly and the composition was extended. This may also have prompted the reinforcement. Impressions from previous stretcher marks reveal that the painting was once stretched on a smaller frame. What is curious about this glue-based lining is that it consists of four piece of linen sewn together, forming a kind of patchwork structure. The reason for this approach remains unknown, although it is possible that a canvas of the desired size was not available at the time. Since the support showed evident deformations, a structural intervention was necessary. The lining consists of a fine and tightly woven linen, in contrast to the original canvas, which has a much coarser weave. This structural tension between the two, together with the visible seams and the inadequate attachment to the stretcher, appears to have caused further distortions. Cleaning the aged varnish layers and earlier retouching required great delicacy. The original canvas was loosely woven, and the paint layer revealed a fine craquelure and a porous structure. As a result, solvents could easily penetrate the canvas and cause the material to stiffen. To prevent this, a controlled and superficial cleaning was carried out, dissolving the varnish only at the surface without allowing it to pass through the canvas. For the cleaning, PVA-Borax gels enriched with agar were used, forming a subtle double-network system. This allowed for a highly controlled and superficial action of the solvent, softening the varnish layer gently without penetrating the canvas. In combination with Evolon, a fine microfibre textile that helps regulate the solvent&#8217;s activity, the yellowed varnish could be removed gradually. The result is a clearer image, revealing the decorative details in the sitter&#8217;s clothing and the delicate subtleties of the artist&#8217;s brushwork. During the preparation of the treatment, we had the opportunity to consult with Simon Bobak, London-based paintings conservator specialising in structural conservation. During his visit, we discussed several ongoing cases in the studio and the specific challenges each work presents. For the treatment of the Portrait of Cosimo as a Child, it was decided to address the problem as locally as possible, with minimal intervention as the guiding principle. The upper edge of the canvas was found to be secured by only two nails. Through the careful use of weights and gentle humidification, the planar distortions were gradually reduced and the surface stabilised. The upper edge was then released from the stretcher and strengthened with a narrow strip-lining. The deformations have since improved, and this precise local intervention may well suffice to restore the painting&#8217;s structural integrity and visual coherence. The restoration is still in progress. After cleaning, a protective varnish will be applied to isolate the pain layer before the next stages of treatment, such as the the filling of losses, the pictorial reintegration, and the final varnish that will complete the process. Stay tuned on our website and newsletter for the next chapter of this restoration!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":17003,"template":"","soort_artikel":[223],"class_list":["post-17028","beleef","type-beleef","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","soort_artikel-behind-the-scenes"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.0 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Beneath the Varnish: Justus Sustermans\u2019 Portrait of Cosimo III de\u2019 Medici as a Child - The Phoebus Foundation<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Brazilian conservator Aline Assump\u00e7\u00e3o is working at The Phoebus Foundation on the restoration of the Portrait of Cosimo III de&#039; Medici as a Child (1649) by Justus Sustermans. 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