Evening star., 1902-02-22
SAVED THE PICTURES

1t is curious fact that the same combina-
ton of chemicals which preserved in a per-
feet state for over 500 years the remains and
shrouds of King Edward l Of England have
also been used to preserve four of the great
historical paintings perpetuating scenes In
the foundation and establishment of this
government.
These four paintings occupy perhaps the
most conspicuous place for observation IN
the nation. They are the work OF Colonel
John Trumbull, and hang on the eastern
wall of the rotunda Of the Capitol.
The paintings We're put In place In 1874,
under the supervision of the artist himself,
but not without much hesitation and obJec-
ton on his part because of the dampness or
the walls and air in the rotunda at that
time. The fears of the artist We're proven
to be well founded. for four years later the
changes on the surface of the paintings be
came so apparent that Congress passed
resolution authorizing their removal from
the walls Of the rotunda by Colonel Trum-
bull for inspection and remedy II possible.
1t at this point that Colonel Irumbuils
knowledge Of the preserVatlVe chemlcal
compound was drawn on.
In a letter to Congress. dated December .,
1928, Colonel Trumbull explains in detail
his treatment of the paintings at that time,
and an inspection now OF these tour PIC
lures shows that they are in perfect state
Of preservation, both as to brightness OF
color and condition of canvas.
In the letter referred to Colonel Trumbull
saws: "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 separately and care1uliy examined.
The material which forms the basis Of the
paintings is a linen cloth whose strength
and texture is very similar to that used in
the topgallant sails of a ship-of-war. The
substances employed In forming a proper
,,rFa fGps ha together
colors, oils. etc, form a sufficient protec-
ton for the face of the canvas. but the
back remains bare and exposed to the
deleterious effects of damp air. The effect
Of this is first seen in the form of mildew;
it was this which l dreaded. and the exami-
nation showed that mildew was already
commenced, and to an extent which rem
dered it manifest that the continuance OF
the same exposure for a few years longer
would have accomplished the complete de-
composition or rotting of the canvas, and
the consequent destruction Of the paint
ings."
Colonel Trunbull then explained how he
first thoroughly dried the canvases and
prepared them for the preservative. 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 ascertaning the ma
ture of the substance employed by the en-
balmers, which the lapse Of SO many ages
had proved to possess the power of pro-
tecting from decay substance otherwise
SO perishable as the human body. This ex-
animation had proved that, after the appli-
cation 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
= careful examina ton and analysis of the
hier>c celyphic paintings with which the cas-
ings, &c. are covered, that the colors
employed aid still retaining their vivid
l,r;n ban also heon re6
piled with the sans substance.
splendidly Preserved.
II also knew that toward the close of
the last century the Antiquarian Society
of Englandfhad been permitted to open and
examine the stone coffin deposited in one
Of the vaults Of Westminster 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
f, found to be closely enyeloped in strong
We're found splendid robes Of silk, en-
riched with various ornaments covering the
body. which was found to be entire, and
parts, even to each separate finger. in
bandages OF fine linen which had been
dipped In melted wax, and not only was rhe
body not decomposed. but the various
parts Of the dress, such as scarlet satin
mantle and scarlet piece of sarsnet
which was placed over the face were In
perfect preservation, even to their colors -
Col. Trumbull then states that with this
knowledge he melted common beeswax and
mixed with an equal quantity Of oil Of tur
pentine, which mixture was applied hot
with brushes to the backs Of the PAINTINGS
and afterward 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 can
vases. Spring doors were also ordered
placed In the entrances to the rotunda by
Col. Trumbull. Since that treatment these
paintings have had nothing done to them.
and from present appearances they need
nothing:
Col. Trumbull was also called on to re-
pair the work of a vandal when he treated
the paintings to coat OF wax. The right
toe Of Gen. Morgan's foot had been cut
out of the canvas, apparently with a knife.
The report states that the artist repaired
the wound, but the scar still remains
Another popularity In one Of these pic
lures Is pointed out to persons being shown
the Capitol under the care of a guide. and
that is In the scene of Washington resign
ing his commission. The two daughters of
Charles Carroll. who stand embracing each
other, are given five hands.