Jan. 12, 1968
G.W.V.S.

RE: "Under the Winter Moon"
BY: R.S. Woodward 1885 - 193?
40 x 50"

Since an experiment has the painting face-down under weights, the present examination has to be limited to remarks-

The problems of a large-scale exaggeratedly cupping crackle exist as a result of, apparently, a layer of plain animal skin glue being applied to the canvas, fully commercially-prepared with an oil ground before mounting. The painting, with its great sickness of oil-rich paint and relatively high and in impasti, was done on the glue layer..

In the relatively few years since the painting's completion, the glue, in its normal course of aging, contracted and cracked, drawing up the paint's surface to its present state of deformity. How this can be treated in the present circumstances is, at the moment being explored.

At any rate, it is suggested that as much bees-wax as possible be introduced into the structure, to control or allay further deformation of the painting plane.

(Signed) Alan Thielker