Three aspects of the condition of a work of art are defined: >Insecurity, Damage and >Disfigurement. If insecurity in the form of mechanical stresses is promptly identified, corrective treatment may be applied before damage occurs. If insecurity is caused by chemical, physical or biological deterioration due to dryness, humidity, incompatibility or inherent weakness of materials, the effect may be permanent. Damage may occur as a result of fire, flood, ill treatment or from overcleaning. Disfigurement, referring to defects in design, is a consequence of damage. It may also be caused by accumulations of grime, discolored coatings and incrustation. Unnecessary or inappropriate restorations are other agents of disfigurement which have a temporary effect and are usually removable.