Rembrandt’s (1606 – 1669) etching of the Little Stink Mill portrays an actual windmill that was located in west Amsterdam on the De Passeerde bulwark. The mill was owned by the Leathermakers Guild and it’s where they would soften leather with cod liver oil, a smelly process which lead to the “Little Stink Mill” name. Because of the detail of the print, it’s believed that Rembrandt started the work on site, but then finished it in his studio. Unfortunately for this print, surface dirt, a watercolor drip, and acid stains called foxing were causing integrity issues. With targeted baths we lifted the foxing and simultaneously administered a specific solvent to treat the watercolor drip. Restoration was completed by carefully cleaning the surface.
- Watercolor stain.
- The bath accentuates the foxing.