Anoxic treatment of Artworks: Definition
Anoxic treatment is a preventive conservation method used to eliminate insects and microorganisms present in or on an artwork, without the use of chemical products. It involves placing the object in an oxygen-deprived atmosphere (usually replaced with nitrogen or argon) for a set period of time, in order to suffocate harmful biological agents.
Why use anoxia in the transport of artworks?
During the storage or transport of artworks, they may be exposed to biological risks such as larvae, mold, or wood-boring insects. These threats can cause irreversible damage to organic materials like wood, leather, paper, or textiles.
Anoxic treatment allows:
- disinfestation without altering sensitive materials
- preservation of the artwork’s integrity without toxic substances
- compliance with museum and environmental standards
Risks associated with the absence of treatment
Without appropriate treatment, artworks may:
- suffer attacks from larvae or fungi
- lose fragments or pictorial layers
- contaminate other objects during group transport
Anoxic treatment techniques
The process is typically carried out in a sealed chamber or airtight bag, with controlled temperature and humidity. The duration of the treatment varies depending on the type of object and the level of infestation.
Common methods include:
- replacing air with nitrogen or argon
- maintaining an oxygen level below 0.1%
- treating over several weeks to ensure effectiveness
Famous example: treatment of ethnographic collections at the Musée du quai Branly
The Musée du quai Branly – Jacques Chirac regularly uses anoxia to treat its ethnographic objects made of wood, feathers, or plant fibers. This method helps preserve artworks without altering their structure or appearance, while meeting heritage conservation standards.
Anoxic treatment stands out as an effective, respectful, and sustainable solution for protecting sensitive artworks during transport or storage, while meeting contemporary museum requirements.
