A technical examination and discussion of the conservation decision-making process using Anton van Wouw’s Cattle Grazing near Pretoria Zoo (ca. 1896) as case study

Abstract

The study aims to examine, discuss and develop a feasible treatment proposal for a damaged oil on canvas landscape Cattle Grazing near Pretoria Zoo that was completed around 1896. The painting is by Dutch-born South African artist Anton van Wouw (1862-1945) who is predominantly known as a sculptor. Therefore, the research aims to position the artist in a new light – that of a painter – since very little of his painting oeuvre has been documented or studied. The painting chosen for the case study was extensively damaged in the past, including storage in a folded state and has undergone several treatments in the past, including marouflage, consolidation and infilling; yet the treatment remains incomplete. The research proceeds by thoroughly documenting the painting using a variety of historical, visual and analytical techniques including technical photography and X-Ray Fluorescence spectroscopy, which are widespread in heritage conservation practices because of their non-invasive and non-destructive nature. The information obtained from these investigations sheds light on van Wouw as a painter, his technique and material use, for which there is currently no data. In addition, the analytical research sets the foundation for discussing the treatment decision-making process that ensues. The treatment proposal employs contemporary conservation ethics as guidance to ensure the integrity of the painting’s history and meaning remains intact, and based on consultations with the painting’s custodian discusses its intended future use and potential avenues for treatment.