FROM ART TO ENGINEERING: A TECHNICAL REVIEW ON THE PROBLEM OF VIBRATING CANVAS PART I: EXCITATION AND EFFORTS OF VIBRATION REDUCTION

Abstract

Cultural assets are witnesses of past times with versatile worth. The irreplaceability of those treasures of art makes their protection our major task. This article reflects the commitment and results of 40 years of conservators’ research to protect canvas - objects of cultural heritage - particularly from mechanical loads. It gives a classification of mechanical loads that act upon canvas during transport, exhibition and storing in depot. Furthermore, it gives an overview of different approaches which were used over years to protect canvas from various mechanical loads. This article tends to bridge the gap between restorers’ knowledge and methods and concepts known from engineering dynamics. Restorers’ first steps using engineers’ methods are brought up and the necessity of theoretical modeling which has not started so far are pointed out.