The Tucson citizen., 1902-10-20
PRESERVED BY WAX
FOUR HISTORIC PAINTINGS IN THE
NATIONAL CAPITOL.

Showed Signs of Dissolution -- An
Artists Curious BIunder.
1t is a curious fact that the same
combination of chemicals which pre-
served in a perfect state for over 500
years the remains and ShrOuds of King
Edward /. of England have also been
used to preserve four Of the great his
torical paintings perpetuating scenes
in the foundation and establishment Of
this government.
These four paintings occupy perhaps
the most conspicuous place for obser-
walton in the nation. They are the
work of Colonel John Trumbun and
hang on the eastern wall of the rotun-
da of the capitol.
The paintings were put in place in
1924 under the supervision of the artist
himself, but not without much hesita-
tion and objections OH his part because
of the dampness of the walls and air in
the rotunda at chat time. The fears of
the artist We're proved to be well
founded, for four years later the
changes on the surface of the paintings
became so apparent that congress
passed resolution authorizing their
removal from the walls of the rotunda
by Colonel Trumbull for inspection and
remedy il possible. 1t was at this
point that Colonel Trumbulrs knOwl-
edge of the preservative chemical CON-
pound was drawn on.
In letter to congress, dated Dec. 9,
1928. Colonel Trumbull explains in de-
tail his treatment Of the paintings at
that time, and an inspection now of
these four pictures shows that they
are In perfect state of preservation
both as to brightness Of color and con-
dition of canvas.
In the letter referred to Colonel
Trumbull says: "All Of the paintings
were taken down, removed from their
frames. taken of from the panels over
which they were strained, removed to
dry, warm room and there separate
ly and carefully examined. The mate
rial which forms the basis of the paint
ings is linen cloth whose strength
and texture are very similar to those
In the topgallant sails of a ship of war.
The substances employed in forming
proper surface for the artist, together
with the colors, oils, etc. form suff1-
cient protection for the face of the can
vas. but the back remains bare and ex.
posed to the deleterious effects Of damp
air. The effect of this is first seen In
the form Of mildew. 1t was this which
dreaded, and the examination showed
that mildew was already commenced
and to an extent which rendered it
manifest that the continuance OF the
same exposure for few years longer
would have accomplished the complete
decomposition or rotting OF the can
vas and the consequent destruction Of
the paintings"
Colonel Trumbull then explained how
be first thoroughly dried the canvases
and prepared them for the preserva-
tive. On this point he continues: II
had learned that few years ago some
Of the eminent chemists Of France had
examined with great care some of the
ancient mummies OF Egypt with a
view to ascertaining the nature of the
substance employed by the embalmers
which the lapse of so many ages had
proved to possess the power of protect
ing frcm decay a substance otherwise
so perishable as the human body. This
examination had proved that. after the
application OF liquid asphaltum TO the
cavities of the head and body. the
whole had been wrapped carefully in
many envelopes or bandages Of linen
prepared with wax. The committee of
chemists decided further after Il care
full examination and analysis Of the
hieroglyphic paintings with which the
castings, etc. are covered. that the col
Ors employed and still retaining their
vivid brightness had also been pre-
pared and applied with the same sub
stance.
Il also know that toward the close
Of the last century the Antiquarian
Society of England had been permitted
to open and examine the stone coffin
deposited in one of the vaults Of West
minister abbey and said to contain the
body of King Edward L., who died In
July, 1907. On removing the stone
lid OF the coffin it's contents were found
to be closely enyeioped in strong lin
Pm cloth. waxed. Within this envelope
were found splendid robes of silk en-
riched with various ornaments cover
Ing the body, which was found to be
entire and to have been wrapped care
fully in all its parts. even to each sep
nrate finger, In bandages of fine linen
which had been dipped in melted wax,
and not only was the body not decom-
posed, but the various parts of the
dress, Such as scarlet satin mantle
and scarlet piece Of sarsenet which
was placed over the face, were in per-
feet preservation, even In their colors."
Colonel Trumbull then states that,
with this knowledge. he melted COM
mon beeswax and mixed with an equal
quantity of Oil of turpentine. which
mixture was applied hot with brushes
to the backs Of the paintings and aft
erward rubbed In with hot irons until
the cloth was perfectly saturated. The
inches In the walls were backed with
cement and fha rainffprc no p1aoo1