Conservation of the so-called Banner of the Shuisky Tsars, the standard of Moscow dating from the 17th century, from the Princes Czartoryski collection.

This banner featuring multi-figure compositions, inspired by the sacred texts associated with the cult of the Virgin Mary – patroness of Ruthenia, and an idealized depiction of power embodied by the tsar, was painted on both sides of Italian silk damask. Long-term exposure and improper 19th-century maintenance resulted in the gradual destruction of the fabric and the layer of paint. Collagen membrane made of processed cattle intestines, originally designed to secure damaged parts, with each change of humidity caused further damage of the object. Conservation consisted of removing the membranes, securing the paint layer and lining the entire piece with transparent fabric, consolidating the banner and supporting its weight. Renovation works required close cooperation with painting conservators.