Conservation-restoration, also referred to as conservation, is a profession devoted to the preservation of cultural heritage. Conservation activities include examination, documentation, treatment, and preventive care. All of this work is supported by research and education.

The main objectives of this field are:

• Minimal intervention with maximum outcome
• Appropriate materials and methods that aim to be reversible to reduce possible problems with future treatment, investigation, and use.
• Full documentation of all work undertaken.

We can say that "conservation/restoration" is when a work of art runs the risk of deterioration, and that this can damage its survival, it is necessary to intervene directly upon it.

".... We can say that  any form of restoration, which is backed up by a profound scientific knowledge, should permit the spectator, to look at the work of art without being distracted by an "addition" or " replacement ", but that the restorative intervention should be visible only under scrupulous examination... another necessary and practical point, is that every restoration should be done with a reversible material, and with a substance that does not attack the object... that under no circumstance, should the original paint layer  be covered with the restoration. " (1)

The integrity of an original work of art is affected by the direct intervention of  restoration. Yet the esthetic appearance should thereby be maintained.

"In this respect, the restoration occupies a unique position within the activities of conservation : it is the one that relies more upon the competence, the judgment and the sensibility of the individual, and it triggers, on the other hand, an ethical challenge, much more difficult to resolve. " (2)

This intervention allows a better comprehension of the work of art, but this action should be minimal and reversible.
The preventative conservation, which is not a direct one on the work of art, is very important because it acts in an indirect manner upon it, to prevent an immediate or future deterioriation of the objet. Preventing and delaying the deterioration of a work of art.

(1) « Manual on the Conservation of Paintings » ; page 22, 1997 International Council of Museums (ICOM), ISBN 1873132417. Archtype Publications, London W1P 6DX