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
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.
Conservation Goals and Treatment
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
