This book accompanied an exhibition of restored primitive Italian paintings from the Petit Palais Museum which was held in July, 1976. The treatments were done from 1966-1976. Problems encountered and solutions proposed are discussed and illustrated. A preface by Germain Bazin discusses the changes that take place in paintings. An introduction by Gilberte Émile-Mâle considers the relationships among the restorer, the scientist and the art historian, and the importance of stability of the materials used, their reversibility and the proper legibility of the work of art. Subjects discussed in the catalogue include the techniques of the early Italian painters; the treatment of the panel support with attention to biological attack, warp, splits, cradling, etc.; consolidation and cleaning of the paint film, old repaint, cases of non-intervention; and retouching and reintegration with examples of different methods of inpainting. Then follow 30 pages of photographs to illustrate the concepts discussed. -- AATA