{"id":19799,"date":"2026-07-01T14:39:21","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T12:39:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/?post_type=beleef&#038;p=19799"},"modified":"2026-07-01T14:39:37","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T12:39:37","slug":"appearance-of-the-risen-christ-to-saints-gertrude-and-teresa","status":"publish","type":"beleef","link":"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/en\/beleef\/appearance-of-the-risen-christ-to-saints-gertrude-and-teresa\/","title":{"rendered":"Appearance of the risen Christ to Saints Gertrude and Teresa"},"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<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Phoebus Fellow Soraia Martins, conservator-restorer from Portugal, is currently restoring the 17th-century oil painting <em>Appearance of the risen Christ to Saints Gertrude and Teresa<\/em> from The Phoebus Foundation collection. The conservation treatment offers a valuable opportunity to study both the painting&#8217;s technique and its condition in detail. It soon became clear that several of the issues affecting the work were the result of earlier restoration campaigns.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\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\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1335\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/07d5d003-39f9-4608-bf93-a6085eae3df3-1335x2000.webp\" alt=\"A conservator-restorer is restoring a 17th-century painting depicting the Risen Christ with Saints Gertrude and Teresa.\" class=\"wp-image-19730\" style=\"aspect-ratio:0.6675174932887383\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/07d5d003-39f9-4608-bf93-a6085eae3df3-1335x2000.webp 1335w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/07d5d003-39f9-4608-bf93-a6085eae3df3-801x1200.webp 801w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/07d5d003-39f9-4608-bf93-a6085eae3df3-768x1150.webp 768w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/07d5d003-39f9-4608-bf93-a6085eae3df3-1025x1536.webp 1025w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/07d5d003-39f9-4608-bf93-a6085eae3df3-1367x2048.webp 1367w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/07d5d003-39f9-4608-bf93-a6085eae3df3-scaled.webp 1709w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1335px) 100vw, 1335px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/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<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-columns are-vertically-aligned-center 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\">\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\">One of the greatest challenges of this restoration concerns the painting&#8217;s structural support. The canvas showed pronounced distortions along its edges. Once it had been removed from the stretcher, it became clear that these deformations were caused by the overly thick edges of a previous strip-lining, which were incompatible with the exceptionally fine original canvas. Moreover, they had been attached using a thick, rigid synthetic adhesive that had penetrated deep into the canvas fibres, significantly contributing to the distortions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\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\">\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\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1335\" src=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Defromations3.webp\" alt=\"17th-century painting of the Risen Christ with Saints Gertrude and Teresa, showing visible distortions along the edges of the canvas.\" class=\"wp-image-19735\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Defromations3.webp 2000w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Defromations3-1200x801.webp 1200w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Defromations3-768x513.webp 768w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Defromations3-1536x1025.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Deformations<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1068\" src=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Deformations4.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19736\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Deformations4.webp 1600w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Deformations4-1200x801.webp 1200w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Deformations4-768x513.webp 768w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Deformations4-1536x1025.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-8f761849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\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 treatment began with the careful removal of the strip-lining and, where possible, the remaining adhesive residues. After comparing different treatment methods, controlled humidification using Evolon was selected, followed by the gradual mechanical reduction of the adhesive residues, as this approach produced the best results.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\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\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1328\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/6-1328x2000.webp\" alt=\"Detail of the reverse of the painting during the removal of the strip-lining, revealing the original edge of the canvas.\" class=\"wp-image-19752\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/6-1328x2000.webp 1328w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/6-797x1200.webp 797w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/6-768x1156.webp 768w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/6-1020x1536.webp 1020w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/6-1360x2048.webp 1360w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/6-scaled.webp 1700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1328px) 100vw, 1328px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Removal of the strip-lining<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1328\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/7-1328x2000.webp\" alt=\"Detail of the reverse of the painting during the reduction of residual adhesive following the removal of the strip-lining.\" class=\"wp-image-19751\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/7-1328x2000.webp 1328w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/7-797x1200.webp 797w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/7-768x1156.webp 768w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/7-1020x1536.webp 1020w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/7-1360x2048.webp 1360w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/7-scaled.webp 1700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1328px) 100vw, 1328px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Adhesive removal<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/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\">Examination of the reverse also revealed that the original canvas had been impregnated with a synthetic adhesive, which had caused a brownish discolouration. Microscopic analysis showed that the adhesive had a characteristic plastic-like appearance and had penetrated deep into the canvas fibres. Although several gel-based cleaning systems were tested, the adhesive responded only minimally to the solvents used.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\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\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1328\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/9-1328x2000.webp\" alt=\"Microscopic image of the canvas fibres following the cleaning tests.\" class=\"wp-image-19756\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/9-1328x2000.webp 1328w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/9-797x1200.webp 797w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/9-768x1156.webp 768w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/9-1020x1536.webp 1020w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/9-1360x2048.webp 1360w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/9-scaled.webp 1700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1328px) 100vw, 1328px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Before cleaning test<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1328\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/10-1328x2000.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-19757\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/10-1328x2000.webp 1328w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/10-797x1200.webp 797w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/10-768x1156.webp 768w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/10-1020x1536.webp 1020w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/10-1360x2048.webp 1360w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/10-scaled.webp 1700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1328px) 100vw, 1328px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">After cleaning test<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/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\">Although the adhesive could be partially softened, its complete removal would have required extensive mechanical treatment. Given the exceptionally fine weave of the original canvas, this would have posed an unacceptable risk to the integrity of the support. A more conservative approach was therefore adopted. The adhesive residues associated with the strip-lining were reduced as far as could be done safely, while the remaining adhesive on the reverse was carefully removed using Wishab sponges and smoke sponges. This treatment improved the flexibility of the canvas without compromising its delicate fibre structure.<\/p>\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<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The distorted edges were then gradually flattened through controlled humidification followed by drying under restraint. This treatment significantly reduced the deformations and restored a more even tension across the canvas.<\/p>\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\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/12.-Deformation-after-1500x2000.webp\" alt=\"Detail of the reverse of the painting after the reduction of the deformations along the canvas edge.\" class=\"wp-image-19759\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/12.-Deformation-after-1500x2000.webp 1500w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/12.-Deformation-after-900x1200.webp 900w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/12.-Deformation-after-768x1024.webp 768w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/12.-Deformation-after-1152x1536.webp 1152w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/12.-Deformation-after-1536x2048.webp 1536w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/12.-Deformation-after-scaled.webp 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Canvas after reduction of the edge deformations<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the structural treatment, another important discovery was made. Colonial paintings were often attached by their painted edges rather than having the canvas wrapped around the stretcher. In this case, one of the original edges had been folded over and secured to the side during a previous restoration. As a result, the original position of the canvas on the stretcher had been altered, causing the painting&#8217;s original presentation to be lost.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1335\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/13.-Folded-edge-1335x2000.webp\" alt=\"Side view of the painting showing the folded original canvas edge during the structural treatment.\" class=\"wp-image-19760\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/13.-Folded-edge-1335x2000.webp 1335w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/13.-Folded-edge-801x1200.webp 801w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/13.-Folded-edge-768x1150.webp 768w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/13.-Folded-edge-1025x1536.webp 1025w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/13.-Folded-edge-1367x2048.webp 1367w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/13.-Folded-edge-scaled.webp 1709w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1335px) 100vw, 1335px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Folded canvas edge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although the current stretcher is not original, it was considered suitable for continued use. Extensions were therefore added, allowing the painting to be re-stretched in accordance with its original configuration.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The painting is currently being fitted with a new strip-lining using a thinner fabric that is more compatible with the original canvas. The nap-bonding technique is being employed, in which the adhesive is applied as an open network rather than a continuous film, limiting its penetration into the canvas fibres. This method provides the necessary structural support while reducing the risk of future distortions, which is particularly important given that the fibres are already saturated with residues of the previous adhesive.<\/p>\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\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1328\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-32-1328x2000.webp\" alt=\"Detail of the new strip-lining being applied to the edge of the canvas using the nap-bonding technique.\" class=\"wp-image-19763\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-32-1328x2000.webp 1328w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-32-797x1200.webp 797w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-32-768x1156.webp 768w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-32-1020x1536.webp 1020w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-32-1360x2048.webp 1360w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-32-scaled.webp 1700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1328px) 100vw, 1328px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Nap-bonding<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1328\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-33-1328x2000.webp\" alt=\"Application of the new strip-lining using the nap-bonding technique.\" class=\"wp-image-19764\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-33-1328x2000.webp 1328w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-33-797x1200.webp 797w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-33-768x1156.webp 768w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-33-1020x1536.webp 1020w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-33-1360x2048.webp 1360w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-33-scaled.webp 1700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1328px) 100vw, 1328px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1328\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-34-1328x2000.webp\" alt=\"Detail of the new strip-lining after application of the nap-bonding technique.\" class=\"wp-image-19765\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-34-1328x2000.webp 1328w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-34-797x1200.webp 797w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-34-768x1156.webp 768w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-34-1020x1536.webp 1020w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-34-1360x2048.webp 1360w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-34-scaled.webp 1700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1328px) 100vw, 1328px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/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\">With the structural treatment nearing completion, the restoration is entering its final phase. Attention will now shift to the treatment of the painted surface, including the retouching of paint losses and the aesthetic integration of the restoration. Once the work has been completed, the final result will be shared on our website and in our newsletter.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\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\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1328\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-32-1-1328x2000.webp\" alt=\"17th-century painting of the Risen Christ with Saints Gertrude and Teresa during surface cleaning.\" class=\"wp-image-19767\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-32-1-1328x2000.webp 1328w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-32-1-797x1200.webp 797w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-32-1-768x1156.webp 768w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-32-1-1020x1536.webp 1020w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-32-1-1360x2048.webp 1360w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-32-1-scaled.webp 1700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1328px) 100vw, 1328px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Cleaning in progress<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1328\" height=\"2000\" src=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-33-2-1328x2000.webp\" alt=\"Detail of the Risen Christ following the removal of the discoloured varnish layer.\" class=\"wp-image-19769\" srcset=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-33-2-1328x2000.webp 1328w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-33-2-797x1200.webp 797w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-33-2-768x1156.webp 768w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-33-2-1020x1536.webp 1020w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-33-2-1360x2048.webp 1360w, https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Untitled-design-33-2-scaled.webp 1700w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1328px) 100vw, 1328px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Phoebus Fellow Soraia Martins, conservator-restorer from Portugal, is currently restoring the 17th-century oil painting Appearance of the risen Christ to Saints Gertrude and Teresa from The Phoebus Foundation collection. The conservation treatment offers a valuable opportunity to study both the painting&#8217;s technique and its condition in detail. It soon became clear that several of the issues affecting the work were the result of earlier restoration campaigns. One of the greatest challenges of this restoration concerns the painting&#8217;s structural support. The canvas showed pronounced distortions along its edges. Once it had been removed from the stretcher, it became clear that these deformations were caused by the overly thick edges of a previous strip-lining, which were incompatible with the exceptionally fine original canvas. Moreover, they had been attached using a thick, rigid synthetic adhesive that had penetrated deep into the canvas fibres, significantly contributing to the distortions. The treatment began with the careful removal of the strip-lining and, where possible, the remaining adhesive residues. After comparing different treatment methods, controlled humidification using Evolon was selected, followed by the gradual mechanical reduction of the adhesive residues, as this approach produced the best results. Examination of the reverse also revealed that the original canvas had been impregnated with a synthetic adhesive, which had caused a brownish discolouration. Microscopic analysis showed that the adhesive had a characteristic plastic-like appearance and had penetrated deep into the canvas fibres. Although several gel-based cleaning systems were tested, the adhesive responded only minimally to the solvents used. Although the adhesive could be partially softened, its complete removal would have required extensive mechanical treatment. Given the exceptionally fine weave of the original canvas, this would have posed an unacceptable risk to the integrity of the support. A more conservative approach was therefore adopted. The adhesive residues associated with the strip-lining were reduced as far as could be done safely, while the remaining adhesive on the reverse was carefully removed using Wishab sponges and smoke sponges. This treatment improved the flexibility of the canvas without compromising its delicate fibre structure. The distorted edges were then gradually flattened through controlled humidification followed by drying under restraint. This treatment significantly reduced the deformations and restored a more even tension across the canvas. During the structural treatment, another important discovery was made. Colonial paintings were often attached by their painted edges rather than having the canvas wrapped around the stretcher. In this case, one of the original edges had been folded over and secured to the side during a previous restoration. As a result, the original position of the canvas on the stretcher had been altered, causing the painting&#8217;s original presentation to be lost. Although the current stretcher is not original, it was considered suitable for continued use. Extensions were therefore added, allowing the painting to be re-stretched in accordance with its original configuration. The painting is currently being fitted with a new strip-lining using a thinner fabric that is more compatible with the original canvas. The nap-bonding technique is being employed, in which the adhesive is applied as an open network rather than a continuous film, limiting its penetration into the canvas fibres. This method provides the necessary structural support while reducing the risk of future distortions, which is particularly important given that the fibres are already saturated with residues of the previous adhesive. With the structural treatment nearing completion, the restoration is entering its final phase. Attention will now shift to the treatment of the painted surface, including the retouching of paint losses and the aesthetic integration of the restoration. Once the work has been completed, the final result will be shared on our website and in our newsletter.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":19798,"template":"","soort_artikel":[223],"class_list":["post-19799","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 v27.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Appearance of the risen Christ to Saints Gertrude and Teresa - The Phoebus Foundation<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover how Phoebus Fellow Soraia Martins is restoring the 17th-century painting The Risen Christ Appearing to Saints Gertrude and Teresa.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/phoebusfoundation.org\/en\/beleef\/appearance-of-the-risen-christ-to-saints-gertrude-and-teresa\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Appearance of the risen Christ to Saints Gertrude and Teresa - 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