WASHINGTON, D.C.- Research by engineer Marion Mecklenburg from the Smithsonian Institution could lead to better preservation of works of art such as the "Mona Lisa", painted on thin wood panels. Mr. Mecklenburg found that some of the techniques used to preserve paintings could harm them. The "Mona Lisa," was warping at the Louvre. Mr. Mecklenburg thinks that this was due to the preservation techniques of battens weakened the painting more than if it is allowed to bend naturally, and could lead to cracking. Mr. Meckenburg also attributed the warping to the wall behind the painting.

He stated, "Water condenses behind the painting on the wall. You could spend a million dollars on an air-conditioned space, but it's the wall behind the painting, and unfortunately that wall got cold. When that happens, it's like hanging a painting on the window, which condenses when it's cold."