Shining an infrared light on how “metal soaps” threaten priceless oil paintings Scientists analyzed paint samples from Corot's Gypsy Woman with Mandolin (circa 1870).

An art dealer was able to wipe off 200 years' of varnish within seconds. Philip Mould used a mixture of gel and solvent to clean the painting.

Descente des vaches (1836) by Théodore Rousseau in the Mesdag Collection in The Hague is barely readable and its paint layers are in poor condition. The surface of the painting is strongly deformed ...