Examination and Analysis
Ateljé Catellani works predominantly with paintings on canvas and board, and specialises in the analysis, conservation and restoration of European paintings from the 15th to the 20th century, with particular focus on Italian renaissance art.
Anna Bronzoni Catellani, the studio’s head conservator, has collaborated with the Museum of Modern Art for many years thereby gaining extensive knowledge of working with modern art as well. This means that Ateljé Catellani is able to accept commissions within most epochs of art.
Conservators play a key role in the preservation of our cultural heritage for future generations. Every painting is unique in its composition which can be compared with the DNA in humans. Styles within art have changed over the centuries as have the choice of expression, the visual language, materials and technique. It is therefore extremely important that professional conservators are fully acquainted and experienced with the limited periods in which each commissioned work of art originates.
For the same reason it is important that the conservator is able to identify the type and characteristics of a piece of artwork, and thereafter choose the correct analytical and working method.
Ateljé Catellani uses both ocular and chemical analysis techniques, and where necessary x-radiography, stratigraphy, microscopy and ultraviolet examination.
Identification also entails determining who the creator of the artwork was. Over the years, Ateljé Catellani has helped many of its clients to find out who the artists of unknown works were, and thereby has contributed to the cultural and financial value to the paintings.