In January 2026, we have successfully conducted a multi-analytical campaign at the Institut Valencià d’Art Modern (IVAM) focused on investigating selective cracking and delamination phenomena in paintings by Antonio Saura.
This in situ study applies a range of advanced non-invasive techniques to understand how cracking patterns correlate with specific colors and how underlying layers separate from the paint surface. Such selective deterioration poses significant challenges for both conservation and interpretation, as it directly affects the visual integrity and structural stability of Saura’s works.
Importantly, this research builds on and continues previous investigations conducted by our team on works from the Contemporary Art Collection of the Fundación La Caixa. The continuity between these studies enriches our understanding of material behavior and degradation mechanisms across different collections and artistic contexts.
As part of our commitment to training the next generation of conservation professionals, we actively involved conservation students in the campaign, providing them with hands-on experience in applying state-of-the-art non-invasive analytical methods. This practical engagement is essential for equipping emerging specialists with the skills necessary to advance heritage science.
Access to these internationally recognized masterpieces at IVAM provides a unique opportunity to explore the material complexity and degradation mechanisms at the highest scientific level. The campaign’s findings will contribute to developing targeted conservation strategies and deepen our understanding of the artist’s materials and techniques.
This project exemplifies the power of combining cutting-edge analytical tools with museum collaboration and educational outreach to address critical issues in modern art preservation.
