The purpose of this research project is to determine the acceptability of two emulsion adhesives, Lascaux 360 and Elvace 40704, for the paper conservation field. These two adhesives are used for lining, hinging, bookbinding and consolidation. The focus of this research project is the study of the reversibility and the acidic volatile emissions of the above emulsion adhesives. Gas chromatography will be used to determine the presence of volatile emissions. One main component to look for while doing the GC test is the quantitative amount of acidic acid.
Acidity can result in irreparable damage to paper such as yellowing and increase the brittleness.
The samples will be aged using two different methods, dark aging and light aging, whereby a dry film of emulsion adhesive is exposed to different levels of light in a controlled environment. The result of the tests should reveal the reversibility of the adhesives and the presence or absence of acidic emissions, which will help to determine the suitability of Lascaux 360 and Elvace 40704-00 for paper conservation. This research project will include art historical research, technical analysis and the treatment of the object. The art historical part of the research will characterize this portrait within the school of its origin, the iconography of the image will be related to the tradition of portraiture, and the technical analysis will identify the materials used in its creation. Nails, particularly two that still hold the painting in its frame, will be investigated with regard to the chronology of nails.