Wally, thanks for the reply. And for the unintended humor about "hard pressed." I'd considered putting some heavy weights on the opposing corners to see what happens!Hi kormanik, welcome to the G!
That is a sticky wicket.
The solution, if there is one, depends on the relative value of what is on the other side of the hardboard panel.
If of significant value, a conservator should be engaged, otherwise finishing off the buildout on the back and reinforcing it with an internal strainer might do the trick.
There are many possible negative side effects from doing anything, so doing nothing is an option. Other than getting rid of the wire hanger and using either a two point hanger from the vertical blocks glued to the back, or an aluminum cleat hanger on the upper horizontal block. I would be hard pressed to do anything without getting a conservator involved beyond that..
Yiva, thanks for your reply. Apologies for joking about the weights. The other side is an abstract painting thick with palette knife strokes. The client purchased it at auction. Not a known artist but I think the painting is important to her. It looks like the blocks are glued to the hardboard and could be easily removed. As you noted, I'm not sure how the paint material (oil) would flex or crack.Welcome to the G Kormanik.
I doubt heavy weights would do much in correcting this.
Can you tell us what is on the other side, and what is the story? How did it get warped? Is this for a customer or a personal project?
How are those blocks attached? I would probably detach them and build a good solid frame plus strainer, then fit as usual. Might help with the warping. But all depends what is on the other side.
Yiva, sound advice. Sometimes it's best just to say thanks but no thanks and save my prayers to the framing gods.Not sure....it also depends on what is under the paint. Gesso? Just the hardboard?
If it is true oil, you might be lucky. Any idea if the oil has cured enough (how long ago was it painted?)
I think I would try to remove the blocks and frame the whole thing. It might work. Plus send a few prayers to the framing gods of course
I think I would suggest a conservator, or decline the job as you cannot predict what will happen. (so don't make it your problem).
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