Treatment of The Prodigal Son Tending the Swine

by | Jan 20, 2026 | Custom Framing, Projects

The Treatment of
The Prodigal Son Tending the Swine
1538 Engraving by Hans Sebald Beham

At Artifact, we specialize in museum-quality conservation and the careful preservation of historically significant works on paper. A recent project involved the treatment of a delicate 16th-century engraving, The Prodigal Son Tending the Swine (1538), by German artist Hans Sebald Beham. This intricate black ink engraving on cream laid paper arrived at our Chicago paper conservation studio exhibiting notable foxing, acid burn, and darkening from previous acidic and inferior framing materials. The print was in need of conservation treatment and new archival housing.

About the Artist

Hans Sebald Beham (1500–1550) was a German printmaker and draftsman best known for his finely detailed engravings. He belonged to the group of “Little Masters”, Renaissance artists who specialized in small-scale prints with incredible precision. Though often overshadowed by Dürer, Beham’s works reflect an intellectual depth and technical mastery that make them sought after by collectors and institutions alike. His subjects ranged from biblical stories to scenes of rural life and mythology.

Condition on Arrival

The print was housed in a shallow, 4ply, acidic paperboard mat, which had contributed to its degradation over time. Inscribed along the bottom edge was the Latin phrase: “PECCAVI IN COELUM ET CORAM TE LUCAE XV” (“I have sinned against Heaven and in front of you,” Luke 15), grounding the narrative in its biblical origins.

On close examination, the paper exhibited diffuse discoloration, moderate surface dirt, and foxing scattered throughout the sheet. The top edge showed the most concentrated staining, corresponding to areas where tape and hinge materials had been previously applied. These materials had restricted the paper’s natural ability to expand and contract with changes in humidity, resulting in visible undulations.

The fabrication of a Charles Prendergast-style gilded frame. White gold, yellow gold and red bole frame for this beautiful turn of the century portrait

Conservation Goals and Treatment

The objective of the treatment was to reduce staining and discoloration, mitigate foxing, and restore the sheet to plane for safe archival housing and potential display.
Conservation began with gentle surface cleaning on both sides to lift loose dirt. To address the old hinges and tapes at the top verso corners, a methylcellulose poultice was carefully applied and followed by damp swabbing to release the adhesive without disturbing the fibers. The print was then slowly humidified using a Gore-Tex system, allowing the paper to safely rehydrate and expand in a controlled environment.

Next, the sheet was blotter-washed with water that had been conditioned to appropriate pH and conductivity levels. As the washing process progressed, the solution was adjusted to be slightly alkaline. With the print still wet, it was placed under a light bank to help gently brighten the sheet.

Following this, residual staining along the top edge was reduced with a targeted foxing treatment. After this local reduction, the print was humidified again and rinsed on a damp blotter. Finally, it was dried under weight, restoring the sheet to a stable, planar state.

Results

The treatment significantly improved both the appearance and condition of the engraving. Much of the discoloration was removed, the surface cleaned, and the foxing greatly reduced. With the removal of old adhesive materials and conservation of the paper, the engraving was then archivally hinged within an 8ply cotton ragboard bookmat. With the sheet properly housed within the bookmat to facilitate viewing, the piece will be stored within a flat file for long-term storage, while accessible for future framing and display.
If you have questions about the conservation offine art, or museum-quality, archival picture framing, or archival bookmat enclosures, please contact us.
The fabrication of a Charles Prendergast-style gilded frame. White gold, yellow gold and red bole frame for this beautiful turn of the century portrait
Visit our Blog to Learn More About Other Past Projects

Our collection of educational articles about

custom framing, collection care, and emergency response are updated regularly.

Click on each topic below for a menu of corresponding articles.

light dusting of antique gilded frame. Gilded frame. antique frame conservation. Frame repair. Picture frame repair. Frame restoration. Antique custom frames Gold frame repair Antique restoration antique conservation services chicago

Collection Care Articles

By April Hann Lanford

Our collection of educational articles provide an introduction to many topics about the preservation and conservation of fine art, antiques, and fine furniture.

Topics are often written as a result of questions provided by our clients. 

 

Framing-Article

Framing Articles

By April Hann Lanford

There is a lot that goes into the design and fabrication of an archival custom frame. Whether a minimal TIG welded aluminum frame, acrylic vitrine, or a custom carved wood, 22k gilded antique revival frame, each design can have a variety of approaches and materials.

EmergencyCare-Articles

Emergency Care Articles

By April Hann Lanford

Our emergency care articles are a helpful introduction to how to prevent damage through preventative measures or art and antique collections.  When a disaster strikes, prompt response and taking the right steps can mitigate further damage.  

 

Antique-trader-article

Antique Trader Articles

By April Hann Lanford

Visit our collection of articles that have been published in Antique Trader

www.antiquetrader.com

For more than 60 years Antique Trader has been inspiring, informing, and entertaining the collecting community with timely…