Enlarged paintings: a proposal for classification

Abstract

The concept of enlarged painting refers to the technique of extending the support of an easel painting as well as its compositional space, to simulate a continuity with the original painting. Enlargements of support are considered historical additions with a huge documentary weight, so making decisions about their conservation entails great responsibility. Furthermore, additions can be key for a painting to fulfil its function within a certain social assemblage or network, so to promote correct decision making, it is vital to know the reasons why a painting was enlarged. The aim of this research has been to develop a classification of enlarged paintings, according to the purpose of the enlargement. The classification includes the following categories: updating pictures, adaptation to a new space and/or a new frame, completing mutilated paintings, changes in iconography, enlargement in order to create independent works, and grouping paintings together.