Elihu Vedder, 1920 
Renato Tomassi (Italian, 1884-1972)
Oil on canvas
Gift of Miss Anita Vedder 1938.61  

How much will it cost?  $4,700 

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This dignified portrait of artist Elihu Vedder is frequently on view in the permanent collection galleries; the Speed owns many the artist’s paintings and sculptures, thanks to the artist’s friendship with Hattie Bishop Speed.  

Once in the laboratory, a conservator must dissolve and extract layers of dirt across the canvas’s surface. A major improvement is anticipated, once restoration is complete. Additionally, the canvas is unlined, making it extremely fragile. Over the years the weight of the canvas has made the painting slack. Both lower corners have prominent “draws,” rippling the canvas. The painting will need to have its edges strip-lined, reattached, and humidified to relax the deformations. The canvas will then be properly tensioned, creating a smooth, even surface. A felt liner will also be added to the inside of the frame, so the canvas no longer rubs against the edges. Any current abrasions to the paint surface will also be addressed and treated.