{"id":17176,"date":"2025-11-28T15:22:32","date_gmt":"2025-11-28T14:22:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/?post_type=beleef&p=17176"},"modified":"2026-01-05T11:57:17","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T10:57:17","slug":"justus-sustermans-portrait-of-cosimo-iii-de-medici-as-a-child-in-its-final-stage-of-restauration","status":"publish","type":"beleef","link":"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/en\/beleef\/justus-sustermans-portrait-of-cosimo-iii-de-medici-as-a-child-in-its-final-stage-of-restauration\/","title":{"rendered":"Justus Sustermans\u2019 Portrait of Cosimo III de\u2019 Medici as a Child in its Final Stage of Restauration"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n

Last month we outlined the initial phase of the restauration of Justus Sustermans\u2019s Portrait of Cosimo III de\u2019 Medici as a Child (1649). The treatment has since reached completion. After the removal of the degraded varnish, the work progressed to structural interventions aimed at correcting long-standing distortions in the canvas.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

\"Child<\/figure>\n\n
\n

Local adjustments were first attempted. Although these reduced the undulations, the overall tension of the canvas remained insufficient. It was therefore decided to remove the painting from its stretcher and apply a strip-lining to all four edges.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

\n

The painting then underwent planification to relax the canvas fibres, allowing for an even and secure re-tensioning on the stretcher. This treatment eliminated the planar distortions and resulted in a considerable improvement in both the appearance and structural stability of the work.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

\"Reverse<\/figure>\n\n
\n
\n

The original poplar stretcher proved to be in poor condition, marked by termite damage, cracking and warped elements that had likely contributed to the earlier deformations. A new, purpose-built stretcher was therefore commissioned, following the construction of the original.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

\"Detail<\/figure>\n\n
\n

The treatment concluded with the filling of losses, chromatic reintegration and the application of a final protective varnish. These final stages bring Cosimo\u2019s features back into focus, highlight the refinement of Sustermans\u2019s technique and ensure the work is structurally safeguarded for future preservation.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n

\"Child<\/figure>\n\n
\"Child<\/figure>\n\n

Curious about the first phase of the restauration process? Read the full article here: Behind the Varnish: The Child Portrait of Cosimo III de\u2019 Medici<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Last month we outlined the initial phase of the restauration of Justus Sustermans\u2019s Portrait of Cosimo III de\u2019 Medici as a Child (1649). The treatment has since reached completion. After the removal of the degraded varnish, the work progressed to structural interventions aimed at correcting long-standing distortions in the canvas. Local adjustments were first attempted. Although these reduced the undulations, the overall tension of the canvas remained insufficient. It was therefore decided to remove the painting from its stretcher and apply a strip-lining to all four edges. The painting then underwent planification to relax the canvas fibres, allowing for an even and secure re-tensioning on the stretcher. This treatment eliminated the planar distortions and resulted in a considerable improvement in both the appearance and structural stability of the work. The original poplar stretcher proved to be in poor condition, marked by termite damage, cracking and warped elements that had likely contributed to the earlier deformations. A new, purpose-built stretcher was therefore commissioned, following the construction of the original. The treatment concluded with the filling of losses, chromatic reintegration and the application of a final protective varnish. These final stages bring Cosimo\u2019s features back into focus, highlight the refinement of Sustermans\u2019s technique and ensure the work is structurally safeguarded for future preservation. Curious about the first phase of the restauration process? Read the full article here: Behind the Varnish: The Child Portrait of Cosimo III de\u2019 Medici.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":17175,"template":"","soort_artikel":[223],"class_list":["post-17176","beleef","type-beleef","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","soort_artikel-behind-the-scenes"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nJustus Sustermans\u2019 Portrait of Cosimo III de\u2019 Medici as a Child in its Final Stage of Restauration - The Phoebus Foundation<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Portrait of Cosimo III de\u2019 Medici as Child has completed its conservation treatment. 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