This is an excellent example of the difference that quality restoration can make in the enjoyment of a painting. When my client brought in this lovely painting by Annie Taylor Burt, I tested a small area at the edge. Finding bright white under the dirt, we were both excited to see how the piece would look once cleaned. 

As you can see, it was a dramatic change. “I didn’t even know that the flowers were resting on a table!” my client exclaimed when he saw the finished work.

Although we often get used to the “antique” look of a neglected painting, it is important to understand that the artist probably did not intend to present the painting covered with dirt. A properly done cleaning reveals the painter’s true intention.