The painting on this corner cupboard (c. 1700) depicts the adoration of the shepherds from the Gospel of Matthew. The original painting was largely intact and sealed with an old coat of varnish, darkened from atmospheric pollutants. After cleaning the varnish with solvents, numerous small areas of missing paint were in-painted with water-soluble oil paint. A coat of beeswax was then applied to the entire cabinet and gently buffed to improve the appearance of the varnish and even its sheen.
