Hi,
I am considering restoring two paintings of roman ruins that I think are fresco but they have a glossy finish so I am not sure. Under the finish it looks as if the pigments soaked into the painting as the artist worked. So that makes me think they are fresco. I know this because the painting broke during shipment to me. (Boo hoo hoo hoo.... eh hem. Sniff.) The one is dated 1796 and signed Anten Kopp?et?. Signed. Dated. Boo hoo hoo hoo.....etc...etc. Enough. Life must go on.

Should I even attempt to restore these? If so, what kiind of plaster type material should I fill the cracks with? Then, of course, there is the matter of matching pigments. Any advice on where I should start reading up? Obviously I am in need of much help and quite possibly grief counciling. Any help you might offer would be greatly appreciated. I feel it would be much better to turn my energy towards restoring these paintings rather than plotting an "accident" involving my UPS delivery guy.

Thank you for any help you can offer,
Mary Beth