After cleaning tests, the old varnish will be lightened and removed at the same time as the overpaintings that are present on the majority of the surface of the work. Largely abusive, these overpaintings most likely cover a large part of the original colored layer. We therefore hope this operation will allow us to rediscover the true face of the Dauphin of France !
A fill-in medium will then be used in the lacunas to create a homogenous surface that will allow a clean and even surface for retouching and provide a continuity of structure with the pictorial layer surrounding these gaps. To be perfectly integrated, these fill-in will have to be shaped to imitate the original relief around.
This will be followed by the retouching, which consists of a colorful reintegration of the gaps. It allows the legibility of the work. It will most likely be substantial in view of the many overpaintings present on the work. The retouching will be illusionist, i.e. not discernible from the original colored layer.
A final varnish will then be set to protect the original colored layer and the retouches made. This final varnish has an aesthetic and protective role. Based on synthetic resin and gasoline, it will guarantee the work transparency and protection against environmental aggression.