The Tucson citizen., 1902-09-29


by Colonel Trumbull for inspection and |
remedy if possible. 1t was at this
point that Colonel Trumbulrs knowl- /
edge of the preseryative chemical COM
pound was drawn on.
In n letter to congress, dated Dec. Q,
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 a perfect state of preservation
both as to brightness Of color and con
dition of canvas. .',.---.-.>.,-.. -..~~
In the letter referred to Colonel
TrumbuIl says: "All of the paintings
were taken down, removed from their
frames, taken off from the panels over
which they were strained, removed to
a 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 ship of war.
The substances employed in forming a
proper surface for the artist, together
with the colors. oils, etc, form suffi-
cient protection for the face Of the can
vas, but the back remains bare and ex-
posed to the deetCrious 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
gas and the consequent destruction of
the paintings"
Colonel Trumbull then explained how
he first thoroughly dried the canvases
and prepared them for the preserva-
tive. On this point he continues: Il
, 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 emba liners
which the lapse of so many ages had
proved to possess the power of protect
ing frcm decay 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 care
full examination and analysis Of the
hierogIyphic 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.
81 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 its contents were found
to be closely enveloped in strong lin
en- 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
arate finger. In bandages Of fine linen
which had been dipped in melted wax.
and not only was the body not decom-
| fNr9N asin sNVfss 0f
dress. Nlch as a 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 the paintings SO placed
In them that air could circulate behind
the canvases. Spring doors were also
ordered placed In the entrances to the
rotunda by Colonel Trumbull Since
that treatment these paintings have
had nothing done to them, and from
present appearances they need moth
Ing.
Another popularity in one Of these
pictures is pointed out to persons being
shown the capitol under the care Of Il
guide, and that Is in the scene of
Washington resigning his commission.
The two daughters OF Charles Carroll,
who stand embracing each other. are
given ave hands, Washington Star.