Speaking of David Rankin Barbee.....

[L Verge]

(09-21-2015 05:50 PM)L Verge Wrote:  

(09-21-2015 04:02 PM)Pamela Wrote:  I was wondering about charcoal, too, or even another medium, and we don't know the original size. I haven't studied primitive art in that period, or any period and when I go to museums a portrait that is finished looking is generally oil, but the curtain behind her does have a charcoal look. Nowadays artists have lacquer sprays to prevent smearing of charcoal or pastel and I don't know if anything was used in those days. I don't see any smears.

We have in storage at Surratt House a charcoal portrait of a gentleman ca. 1900 that is actually a piece of funerary art. It has no glass to protect it, but there is no sign of any smears. I wonder if they had a form of shellac?

"This process of fixing was formerly done through repeated varnishing with gum-arabic solution and even with glue or egg-white emulsion." Found this on an art history page.