Oleograph
Dimensions – 35.56cms X 50.8cms
Age – Approx. 90 years
This printed image of Saraswati was originally created by Raja Ravi Varma and made extremely popular by him through his printing press which produced multiple copies. Also referred as a lithographic print, this oleograph was made Ravi Udaya Vijaya Press, Bombay and a contemporary press to that of Raja Ravi Varma.
Oleograph
Dimensions – 35.56cms X 50.8cms
Age – Approx. 90 years
Evidence of much damage is observed near the bottom area of the window mount which must have come into contact with moisture at some time in the past. The glass front of the frame was missing exposing the print to all the atmospheric elements.
Oleograph
Dimensions – 35.56cms X 50.8cms
Age – Approx. 90 years
Once the frame was opened up from reverse, it displayed the reverse side of the print held by a brown paper tape pasted along its top edge directly onto the window mount. Some discolouration along the bottom edge of the print due to contact with moisture was also observed.
Oleograph
Dimensions – 35.56cms X 50.8cms
Age – Approx. 90 years
The clear varnish that was used to simulate brushstrokes (seen as deep yellowish vertical stripes here) had darkened with age and exposure to light. This physical and chemical alteration in the varnish had completely altered the appearance and the tonal values of the print.
Oleograph
Dimensions – 35.56cms X 50.8cms
Age – Approx. 90 years
The print was cleaned and the aged varnish removed and a new one applied to replace the removed layer. The present appearance of the print is as it would have been the day when the print was produced. The print was then mounted using conservation mounting techniques.
