Private and institutional collections
Collectors, galleries, museums, monuments, churches, experts and auctioneers entrust the atelier with paintings whose history, use and confidentiality require absolute care.
Discover
Located in the heart of Paris, between Bastille and République, at the foot of the Church of Saint-Ambroise, Atelier Catherine Polnecq has been dedicated to the restoration and conservation of easel paintings since 1995.
Each work is subject to a condition assessment in order to guide a measured and appropriate intervention.
The atelier also has a very-high-definition infrared imaging laboratory dedicated to the study of paintings.
Visits by appointment.
- Established 1995
- Musées de France accredited
- Very-high-definition infrared
- Paris 11th
Essential questions
Before restoring a painting
Which paintings does the atelier restore?
The atelier treats historic and modern easel paintings on canvas, wood panel or copper for private and institutional collections.
Do you work with private collectors?
Yes. The atelier receives private collectors as well as galleries, experts, auctioneers, museums, monuments and churches, always by appointment.
How much does it cost to restore an Old Master painting?
Cost depends on the dimensions, materials, condition of the support and paint layer, and the treatment required. Following examination, a documented condition report and quotation set out the proposed protocol.
Can I request an initial opinion from photographs?
Yes. To prepare an appointment, you may send clear photographs of the full artwork, its reverse and relevant details, together with its dimensions and a description of your enquiry.
Can yellowed or dirty varnish be reduced?
Oxidised varnish can darken colours and alter the reading of a painting. A condition assessment and preliminary tests determine whether cleaning or gradual varnish reduction can be considered without weakening original material.
Do you repair torn canvases or flaking paint?
Yes. Treatment may address tears or deformation in the support, lifting paint, losses or flaking. The atelier works with specialist conservators whenever the artwork’s structure requires it.
What can infrared reflectography reveal?
This non-invasive technique can reveal certain preparatory drawings, compositional changes and features concealed beneath paint layers. The atelier produces very-high-definition captures for study, expertise and lasting documentation.
Who can commission an infrared-reflectography study?
The atelier works with collectors, curators, conservators, art historians, galleries, experts, auctioneers and institutions. The protocol and deliverables are tailored to the question being investigated.
What is included in a scientific-imaging dossier?
Depending on the artwork, a dossier may include visible, raking and ultraviolet light, infrared reflectography up to 1700 nm, X-radiography, digital assemblies, high-resolution files and technical interpretation.