The Preservation and Transfer of Goya’s Black Paintings: A Conservation Journey

Goya’s Black Paintings, a series of murals created directly onto the walls of his home the Quinta del Sordo in Madrid, were one of the artist's most iconic works. These paintings, completed between 1819 and 1823, were last removed from their original walls in 1874, marking the beginning of a significant conservation effort to preserve these masterpieces.

The Birth and Initial Deposition of Goya’s Black Paintings

Goya’s black paintings are mural-sized works that the artist painted directly onto the walls of his two-story house, the Quinta del Sordo, also known as the Deaf Man’s House. These paintings originally covered 13 walls in the house, with two others now held in private collections (Figure 1). Goya's choice to paint directly onto the walls of the paper wallpapered walls left room for careful removal using tools similar to spatulas. Once the paper was detached, a canvassed backing layer was applied and the pieces “lined” onto stretched canvas using glue or wax.

The Challenges of Removing the Paintings

The process of removing these paintings from their original walls in 1874 was not without its challenges. The paintings had deteriorated over the years, necessitating a comprehensive conservation effort to ensure their survival. Specialists meticulously documented the condition of the paintings, creating detailed photographs and sketches to preserve a visual record of their state before removal (Figure 2).

The Transfer Process: A Complex Series of Steps

The meticulous process of transferring Goya’s Black Paintings to canvas involved several key steps that are crucial to the preservation of these important works of art:

Preparation

Experts assessed the condition of the paintings and prepared for their removal. This involved documenting the paintings thoroughly, including high-resolution photographs and detailed sketches. This photographic and sketched documentation provided invaluable information for the conservation team to reference during and after the removal process.

Back Layer Application

A backing layer of canvas was applied to the surface of the paintings. This layer stabilized the fragile paint layers, ensuring that the paintings could be lifted without damaging the artwork. This step was crucial in preventing further deterioration of the paintings during the transfer process.

Cutting and Lifting

The walls were carefully cut around the paintings to detach them from their original locations. Skilled conservators ensured that the paintings could be lifted without causing any damage. The ragged edge visible at the bottom of the images (Figure 3) indicates the care taken during this phase to preserve the integrity of the artwork.

Transportation

Once the paintings were successfully detached, the next step was transportation. The paintings were transported to a conservation studio where further restoration could take place. This step was essential to bring the paintings to a controlled environment where they could be restored and preserved for future generations.

Restoration

In the conservation studio, the paintings underwent a thorough cleaning process. Conservators worked meticulously to address any damage that had occurred during the removal process, ensuring that each painting was restored to its original glory. This restoration phase was critical in maintaining the quality and integrity of the artwork.

Framing and Display

The final step in the conservation process was framing and preparing the paintings for display. The paintings were carefully framed and prepared for display in a more controlled environment. Ultimately, these masterpieces found their permanent home in the Museo del Prado in Madrid, where they can be appreciated by art lovers and scholars alike.

The meticulous process of transferring Goya’s Black Paintings from their original walls to canvas was a significant undertaking, but it has ensured the survival and preservation of these important works of art. The conservation efforts undertaken have allowed future generations to appreciate and study these masterpieces, preserving the legacy of Goya and his fascinating creations.

For more information on the conservation and transfer of Goya’s Black Paintings, visit the official webpage of the Museo del Prado or research detailed publications on the subject.