Technical investigation of the Carlos Museum's Jain painting of the Cosmic Man identified many of the materials and methods used, suggesting a late 19th- or early 20th-century date for the painting. Thorough examination of the painting's present condition revealed its history of use and established priorities for its conservation treatment. The technical study and condition assessment were conducted by Emory University students enrolled in the Fall 2018 Technical Art History class. Conservators then developed a plan to stabilize flaking paint, reduce surface grime, and secure the painting to a support for display and storage. This treatment was staged in the galleries where visitors could observe the work of conservators and interns.
This project was supported by an endowment from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
