Modern Figurative Painting
Modern Figurative Work in Ink & Wash
Contemporary Indian School · 20th century · Ink and watercolour wash on paper
In the studio
Drag the handle to compare the work as received with the work as returned.
The Story
This modern figurative work — two seated figures rendered in fine ink hatching against a deep blue wash — arrived with heavy water staining and scorched, brittle edges that had turned much of the sheet a mottled brown.
The staining sat directly over the ink linework in places, so cleaning proceeded with particular restraint: tested first, then worked in small, controlled stages to avoid disturbing the ink beneath.
With the discolouration reduced and the fragile edges stabilised, the original blue ground and the fine hatched linework were legible again — the quiet intimacy of the composition restored.
- The Damage
- Extensive water staining and heat-scorched edges had darkened the sheet to a mottled brown, obscuring the cool blue wash and threatening the fine ink hatching beneath.
- The Process
- Careful surface and aqueous cleaning to reduce the staining, worked in small controlled stages to protect the ink linework, followed by consolidation of the fragile, heat-affected edges and stabilisation for safe handling and display.
- The Outcome
- The blue ground and fine ink hatching were recovered beneath the discolouration, returning the work's original clarity and intimacy.
Specifications
- Medium
- Ink & watercolour wash on paper
- Subject
- Figurative — seated couple
- Condition
- Water staining, scorched edges
- Treatment
- Cleaning · stabilisation
Techniques applied
- Surface & aqueous cleaning
- Stain reduction
- Edge consolidation
- Handling stabilisation
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