Development of new imaging techniques for the study and interpretation of late Rembrandt paintings

Conference paper (2014)

Authors

Petria Noble Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis
A. van Loon Royal Picture Gallery Mauritshuis, OLD Virtual Materials and Mechanics
G.R. van der Snickt Universiteit Antwerpen
Koen Janssens Universiteit Antwerpen
Matthias Alfeld Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY
J. Dik OLD Virtual Materials and Mechanics
Research Group
(OLD) MSE-4
Copyright: © 2014 Petria Noble, A. van Loon, G.R. van der Snickt, Koen Janssens, Matthias Alfeld, J. Dik
Imaging techniques Non-invasive investigation Macro-XRF scanning Late Rembrandt 17th‑century painting technique Rembrandt self-portraits
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Published Date

2014

Language

English

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Research Group

(OLD) MSE-4

Abstract

Recent macro-XRF scanning of Rembrandt’s Selfportrait from 1669 in the Mauritshuis – as part of the ReVisRembrandt project – has revealed significant
new information about the pigments and build-up of the painting. The elemental distribution maps make clear that the umber-rich ground plays a very important role in the final appearance of this painting, information that is highly relevant for the study of this self-portrait, as well as many other late Rembrandt paintings. It was also possible and infrared imaging, it is anticipated macro-XRF
scanning will become an important diagnostic tool for conservators and art historians alike. to image the presence of organic lakes (by means of the potassium map) and bone black (by means of the calcium and phosphorus maps) in the upper paint layers. In addition to conventional investigative techniques, such as x-radiography and infrared imaging, it is anticipated macro-XRF scanning will become an important diagnostic tool for conservators and art historians alike.