Wolf von Bibra Painting Restoration

Opus II Serio A Fischerdorf
The Strange Story of a fishing village painting

The story begins July 1, 2015, when Tim Angle in New Orleans brought to my attention this painting by Wolf von Bibra. As you can see the painting was in horrible condition. Tim Angle offered and I accepted shipping the painting (and frame) to me for only the cost of shipping. He packaged the painting for no additional cost. I accepted Tim very generous offer. At this point, I brought the painting to an oil painting restorer by the name of Tom Turner in Altadena, CA. When Tom examined the painting it became clear a restoration would be a major and expensive task. As it made no economic sense only sentimental, my mother Pat von Bibra decided to go ahead. In the end, it was much more work to remove the overpaint by later painters. The remaining clouds may include some overpaint but we had to draw the line somewhere.

The back of the painting prior to restoration showing title and damage to painting.
The back of the painting prior to restoration showing title and damage to painting.
Prior to vacuuming to painting flat and attaching a new backing to canvas.
Prior to vacuuming to painting flat and attaching a new backing to canvas.
Vacuuming the painting flat.
Detail of damage
Partial removal of over paint
Prior to most of repairs to paint made
Completed painting
Tom Turner with completed painting