On a newly developed transport method for sensitive cradled panel paintings

• Innovative transport frame for fragile art conservation. • Finite element method analysis guides design for effective vibration isolation. • Interdisciplinary collaboration bridges art conservation and engineering principles. • Successful transport preserves artwork’s mechanical state without material damage. • Practical solution for preserving cultural heritage during transportation. This publication describes the successful development and application of an unusual new transport frame. The object to be transported is a highly sensitive medieval panel painting with a cradle. Unique clamping mechanisms are developed. These mechanisms secure the panel painting by clamping the cradle battens without direct immission on the original wooden panel. Preliminary studies and the development of this frame system include creating a simulation model using the finite element method for the computer-assisted computation and prediction of the behaviour. The design and realization of the transport of this wooden panel painting combines expertise from the scientific fields of art technology, conservation, mechanics and dynamics with the professional experience of a specialized transport company.