Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1902-07-17
PRESERVED BY WAX
FOUR HISTORIC PAINTINGS IN THE
NATIONAL CAPITOL.


They Were Treated Long After Com
pletion and When They Already
Showed Signs of Dissolution - An
Artists Curious Blunder.
1t is a curious fact that the same
combination Of chemicals which pre-
served in perfect state for over 500
years the remains and shrouds of King
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 Trumbull 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-
ton and objections on his part because
of the dampness Of the walls and air in
SAAS AOSSAhSAcA az Ihdl Lille LIZ lGdl . VI
the artist We're proved to be we'll
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 if possible. 1t was at this
point that Colonel Trumbulrs knowl-
edge Of the preservative chemical COM
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 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
tngs 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 a suffi-
Gent 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 a 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
he first thoroughly dried the canvases
and prepared them for the preserva-
tive. On this point he continues: 81
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 from 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 a 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 SUBJ
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 its contents were found
to be closely enveloped in a 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-
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