Records |
Author |
van Loon, A.; Vandivere, A.; Delaney, J.K.; Dooley, K.A.; De Meyer, S.; Vanmeert, F.; Gonzalez, V.; Janssens, K.; Leonhardt, E.; Haswell, R.; de Groot, S.; D'Imporzano, P.; Davies, G.R. |
Title |
Beauty is skin deep : the skin tones of Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
Year |
2019 |
Publication |
Heritage science |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
7 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
102 |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Art; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation) |
Abstract |
The soft modelling of the skin tones in Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring (Mauritshuis) has been remarked upon by art historians, and is their main argument to date this painting to c. 1665. This paper describes the materials and techniques Vermeer used to accomplish the smooth flesh tones and facial features of the Girl, which were investigated as part of the 2018 Girl in the Spotlight research project. It combines macroscopic X-ray fluorescence imaging (MA-XRF), reflectance imaging spectroscopy (RIS), and 3D digital microscopy. Vermeer built up the face, beginning with distinct areas of light and dark. He then smoothly blended the final layers to create almost seamless transitions. The combination of advanced imaging techniques highlighted that Vermeer built the soft contour around her face by leaving a 'gap' between the background and the skin. It also revealed details that were otherwise not visible with the naked eye, such as the eyelashes. Macroscopic imaging was complemented by the study of paint cross-sections using: light microscopy, SEM-EDX, FIB-STEM, synchrotron radiation mu-XRPD and FTIR-ATR. Vermeer intentionally used different qualities or grades of lead white in the flesh paints, showing different hydrocerussite/cerussite ratios and particle sizes. Lead isotope analysis showed that the geographic source of lead, from which the different types of lead white were manufactured, was the same: the region of Peak District of Derbyshire, UK. Finally, cross-section analysis identified the formation of new lead species in the paints: lead soaps and palmierite (K2Pb(SO4)(2)), associated with the red lake. |
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Place of Publication |
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Wos |
000516736100001 |
Publication Date |
2019-12-16 |
Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
2050-7445 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
no |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:167549 |
Serial |
7552 |
Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
Hendriks, E.; Geldof, M.; van den Berg, K.J.; Monico, L.; Miliani, C.; Moretti, P.; Iwanicka, M.; Targowski, P.; Megens, L.; de Groot, S.; van Keulen, H.; Janssens, K.; Vanmeert, F.; van der Snickt, G. |
Title |
Conservation of the Amsterdam sunflowers : from past to future |
Type |
H1 Book chapter |
Year |
2019 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
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Issue |
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Pages |
175-205
T2 - Van Gogh’s Sunflowers illuminated – a |
Keywords |
H1 Book chapter; Art; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation); Antwerp Cultural Heritage Sciences (ARCHES) |
Abstract |
This chapter lays out a conservation timeline, from past to future, for the Amsterdam version of Van Gogh's Sunflowers. It starts by considering the restoration history of the painting in order to assess its current physical state, and looks ahead to formulate an appropriate strategy for future conservation treatment and display. Due attention is paid to the two recorded episodes of restoration performed in 1927 and 1961 by the Dutch restorer, Jan Cornelis Traas. Based on physical and chemical investigation of Sunflowers we attempt to reconstruct what these former treatments (which are barely documented) entailed and consider the repercussions for the present condition of the painting. The former interventions by Traas also serve as a benchmark to reflect on current choices made, highlighting the extent to which ideas and methodologies have continued to evolve over the past century as conservation has moved further away from being a singularly craft-based activity to become an established historical and scientific discipline underpinned by ethical guidelines. Jan Cornelis Traas (1898–1984) As mentioned, the two main recorded interventions to the Amsterdam Sunflowers may be associated with the Dutch restorer, Jan Cornelis Traas, who treated the picture in 1927, close to the start of his career, and again in 1961, shortly before he retired. Traas was the first restorer to be appointed at the Mauritshuis in The Hague where he worked from 1931 to 1962 and treated hundreds of paintings, including iconic masterpieces such as Girl with a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer. Yet despite the magnitude and importance of his restoration oeuvre, J.C. Traas (as he is usually referred to in surviving documents), has remained somewhat obscure. He is shown here in the only known surviving photograph of him at work, shortly before he retired (fig. 7.1). Unlike his illustrious contemporaries, A. Martin de Wild (1899–1969) and Helmut Ruhemann (1891–1973), for example, Traas did not publish anything, he appears to have kept no records of his work and no personal archive is known. However, the study of some newly discovered historical documents, combined with physical examination of Sunflowers and a large number of other works he treated, allows us to recover an idea of his working practices and approaches viewed within the context of his day. |
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Language ![sorted by Language field, ascending order (up)](img/sort_asc.gif) |
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Wos |
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Publication Date |
2020-11-25 |
Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
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ISBN |
978-94-6372-532-3 |
Additional Links |
UA library record |
Impact Factor |
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Times cited |
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Open Access |
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Notes |
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Approved |
no |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:190780 |
Serial |
7727 |
Permanent link to this record |