Post minimal intervention

Abstract

Minimal intervention, as an approach to the structural conservation of canvas paintings, is first examined as an aspect of the construction of the image of the modern conservator. Its evolution and relationship with other significant concepts (reversibility, history of the object, preventive conservation) are then considered. Although the scope of the discussion is limited to structural conservation of canvas paintings, the intention is to contribute to demystifying the positivistmentaiity of impartiality or neutrality in treating paintings and to place emphasis on interpretative, negotiative and communicative aspects of conservation practice. It is argued that in this context minimal intervention is not useful; it discourages critical scrutiny by disguising the assumptions, with which it is closely associated, that conservation methodology is objective and that the painting embodies a single, uncontested history.

Keywords:

• decision making
• interpretation
• lining
• minimal intervention
• minimalism
• structural conservation