Non-invasive imaging-based systems as a tool for evaluation of treatment: Bathers by Henri Matisse

Conservation treatments of unvarnished modern paintings can prove challenging since they are especially susceptible to physicochemical changes caused by environmental soiling deposition, pollutants, humidity, and temperature. This study aims to contribute an example to enhance the role of technical imaging in the decision-making process of conservation treatments. In particular, to evaluate the use of a novel cleaning method –nanogels– in Bathers (1907) by Henri Matisse, an unvarnished and sketch-like painting. A combination of imaging-based systems, including technical multispectral imaging, X-ray radiography and microphotographs, was used to assess the cleaning process of Bathers. The two key advantages this case study offer include the efficiency of i) the Nanorestore Gel® Peggy 6 for soiling removal of unvarnished sketch-like oil paintings and ii) the multispectral-imaging assessment in the cleaning of unvarnished sketch-like modern paintings.