Zion Ho, Handcart Pioneers
Minerva Teichert (1888–1976) | oil on canvas | 56" x 49"| 1937
Zion Ho, Handcart Pioneers after 2021 conservation.
Summitting the crest of a mountain peak, dogged Latter-day Saint settlers, intent on finding a new homeland, glimpse the Salt Lake Valley in the distance. After months of travel pushing a small wooden handcart, a pioneer woman raises her hand high in the air, waves her hat, and signals to the implied line of fellow travelers that they have arrived.
Conservation Notes
In a note Minerva left for Church leaders after delivering a painting to Salt Lake City, she wrote that she didn’t have much use for varnish. She noted, “[Varnish] cracks in time, also it shines.” At some point in its history, this painting was covered with a shiny varnish. It had also become dirty after several years of display.
To be true to Teichert’s intentions, conservators cleaned the painting and removed the varnish. Any areas that had puckered or cracked were flattened, and cracks that had resulted in paint loss were filled in.
Conservator cleans grime off surface of Zion Ho, Handcart Pioneers.
Conservator fills in areas of paint loss on Zion Ho, Handcart Pioneers.
Conservator examines infrared views of Zion Ho, Handcart Pioneers.