Preserving a Legacy of Love in Sanur Through Scientific Conservation Methods
In the Sanur beach area of Bali, there is a unique museum that holds the love story between Belgian painter Adrien-Jean Le Mayeur and Legong dancer Ni Nyoman Pollok. The Le Mayeur Museum is not only a silent witness to this couple's romance but also home to 88 paintings depicting the beauty of Balinese culture and Ni Pollok's grace 4 . However, this precious heritage now faces a serious threat: progressive damage that is eating away at canvases that are decades old.
The condition of some artworks in this museum is quite concerning. Based on visitor reviews, many paintings have faded or have even been replaced with low-quality reproductions whose colors have turned almost monochromatic blue 1 . Some of the remaining original paintings also show signs of aging and damage 1 7 . Given these conditions, conservation efforts are urgently needed. This article will thoroughly examine the conservation process undertaken to save the Le Mayeur Museum's painting collection, combining modern scientific approaches with a deep understanding of art materials and environmental conditions.
Several paintings have already been replaced with low-quality reproductions due to severe deterioration, highlighting the urgency of conservation efforts.
Before taking conservation actions, it is important to first understand what factors threaten the preservation of the Le Mayeur Museum's painting collection. Based on research conducted on this museum, painting damage can be categorized into several types and causes 2 3 .
This category includes wounds or tears in the paint layer and canvas, dulling of colors, and peeling of the paint layer from the painting medium. This type of damage is often caused by improper handling or age factors that make materials brittle.
High RiskThis type of damage is caused by living organisms such as fungus growing on the painting surface, and attacks by insects and microbes that consume organic painting materials. Bali's humid tropical climate strongly supports the growth of these destructive organisms.
Medium RiskChemical damage includes oxidation of the paint layer, hydrolysis that changes the chemical composition of materials, and excessive drying that causes cracks on the painting surface.
High RiskResearch reveals that these various types of damage are triggered by four main factors 2 3 :
Fluctuations in temperature and humidity in the museum environment that are not well controlled.
Exposure to salt from sea air that is corrosive, and other air pollutants.
Activity of fungus, insects, and other microorganisms that breed in humid conditions.
Mistakes in handling, storage, and collection maintenance, including tourist visit factors that affect the museum's micro-environment conditions.
To address the identified damage, the conservation team applies two main approaches: preventive conservation (preventive actions) and curative conservation (corrective actions) 2 3 . This approach is carried out comprehensively, considering aspects of painting materials, environmental conditions, and aesthetic needs.
Preventive conservation is the most important part of museum collection preservation as it aims to prevent damage before it occurs. At the Le Mayeur Museum, these actions include 2 3 :
When damage has occurred, curative actions are needed to restore the painting's condition as much as possible. This process is very complex and requires special expertise. Some curative actions taken include 2 3 :
| Damage Type | Main Cause | Conservation Method |
|---|---|---|
| Physical/Mechanical | Improper handling, material age | Consolidation, media patching, restoration |
| Biotic | Fungus, insects, microbes | Humidity control, fumigation, cleaning |
| Chemical | Oxidation, hydrolysis, salt exposure | Environmental control, semi-chemical cleaning |
One of the key experiments in the conservation process of the Le Mayeur Museum collection is material analysis and treatment testing to determine the most appropriate conservation method. This experiment is important considering that each painting has unique material characteristics and damage conditions.
Conducting detailed observation of each painting to identify the type and extent of damage that has occurred.
Using microscopes and other analytical equipment to identify materials used by Le Mayeur (such as oil paint, watercolor, traditional paint, and pastel) as well as application techniques (including the characteristic plaque technique).
Before applying certain treatments, testing is done on small areas that are not visible (such as the side or edge of the painting) to ensure the safety of the conservation materials used.
After the appropriate method is identified, conservation treatment is carried out in stages and in a controlled manner.
The entire process is well documented and the results are evaluated for method improvement in the future.
These experiments and analyses yielded several important findings 2 3 :
The paintings are representative with themes of women and their surroundings. The coloring techniques are very diverse, including the use of oil paint, watercolor, traditional paint, and pastel.
The painting structure consisting of organic materials (such as canvas, wood, and natural pigments) makes it very vulnerable to environmental influences.
The combination of preventive and curative conservation proved most effective in addressing multifactorial damage.
| Tool/Material | Main Function | Application in Conservation |
|---|---|---|
| Hygrometer & Thermometer | Monitoring humidity and temperature | Environmental control to prevent chemical & biotic damage |
| Light Meter | Measuring light intensity | Preventing color fading due to excessive light |
| Special Cleaning Solutions | Cleaning painting surface | Removing dirt, fungus, and salt without damaging paint |
| Consolidation Materials | Strengthening brittle paint layers | Stabilizing peeling or cracked paint |
| Reversible Pigments | Retouching faded areas | Restoring aesthetic appearance reversibly |
The conservation process requires special equipment and materials designed to handle sensitive cultural objects. Here are some "research reagent solutions" and important materials used in painting conservation at the Le Mayeur Museum 2 3 :
Functions to remove surface dirt that does not chemically bind with the paint layer. This solution has a neutral pH to avoid unwanted chemical reactions.
A polymer solution that can strengthen brittle paint layers and painting foundations. Works by penetrating material pores and strengthening their internal bonds.
Used to reattach paint layers that have detached from their base medium. Their reversible nature ensures this repair can be reversed in the future if needed.
Used to perform retouching on areas where colors have faded. These pigments are selected for their high stability against light and reversible nature.
| Environmental Factor | Target Ideal Condition | Impact if Not Controlled |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature | Stable (18-22°C) | Accelerates degradation chemical reactions, material expansion/contraction |
| Relative Humidity | Stable (45-55%) | Fungus growth, warping of wood/canvas media |
| Light Intensity | Low (50 lux max for sensitive works) | Permanent color fading and varnish yellowing |
| Air Contaminants | Minimal (salt, pollutants) | Corrosion, stains, chemical degradation of painting materials |
The conservation of the painting collection at the Le Mayeur Museum is a long journey combining science, art, and dedication. This effort is not only about repairing physical damage but more broadly about preserving historical and cultural narratives inherent in every brushstroke of Le Mayeur's work. His love story with Ni Pollok, the charm of Bali in the past, and the priceless artistic heritage are cultural assets that must be protected for future generations.
Sustainable conservation efforts require ongoing commitment from various parties, from the government, conservation experts, to the general public. By understanding the complexity and importance of this effort, we can all contribute to preserving this priceless cultural heritage.
The Le Mayeur Museum is not just a building; it is a bridge connecting the past, present, and future through the universal language of art that we must continue to listen to.