Paintings on wood panel have a tendency to warp and split with changing hygrothermographic conditions. In order to anticipate and to correct these deformities various types of support systems have been developed. Among these the most elaborate is a system of movable battens. It consists of a series of movable crosspiece supports placed at regular intervals in contact with the panel. Other battens placed perpendicularly to them hold these crosspieces in place. The old systems of fixed batten supports (cradling) inhibited the movement of the wood panel and have caused splitting and breaking of the wood. The cradle is usually replaced by a movable batten system. Today, the tendency is toward more complex structures that reduce the risk of the battens becoming blocked. Before there is splitting or breakage in the structure of the wood panel, and in the realm of the natural movements of the panel, the batten system should be the first to give way.