National Gallery Technical Bulletin: Volume 41

The National Gallery's annual bulletin provides insights into the conservation and restoration of artworks, including Botticelli's The Adoration of the Kings, Van Dyck's Charles I, Jan van Eyck's Portrait of a Man, and Leonardo's Virgin of the Rocks. It highlights the use of scientific techniques to reveal the physical and attributional history of these masterpieces.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 104 pages
\n Publication date: 21 May 2021
\n Publisher: National Gallery Company Ltd
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The latest edition of this annual bulletin, based on extensive research conducted at the National Gallery in London, brings together the expertise of scientists, conservators, and curators, offering a comprehensive insight into the materials, practices, and techniques employed by artists throughout history. The meticulous cleaning and restoration of Botticelli and Filippino Lippi's The Adoration of the Kings shed light on its remarkably complex physical and attributional history. The relining of Van Dyck's monumental equestrian portrait of Charles I, despite its size-related challenges, provides a valuable glimpse into the history of lining at the National Gallery. Furthermore, the recent cleaning of Jan van Eyck's Portrait of a Man (known as "Léal Souvenir") has revealed the presence of an original surface coating, contributing to its exceptional condition. Additionally, Leonardos Virgin of the Rocks has yielded new discoveries through macro XRF scanning and hyperspectral imaging, expanding our understanding of the painting's evolution during its production. This bulletin serves as a valuable resource for art enthusiasts, scholars, and conservation professionals, providing a deep dive into the world of artistic craftsmanship and preservation.

Introduction:
The National Gallery in London is a renowned institution dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of art from around the world. In its ongoing efforts to enhance our understanding of artistic heritage, the Gallery has published an annual bulletin that delves into the latest research and discoveries related to artists' materials, practices, and techniques. This bulletin brings together the expertise of scientists, conservators, and curators, offering a comprehensive view of the artistic world.
Cleaning and Restoration:
One of the key aspects of this bulletin is the cleaning and restoration of iconic artworks. The Adoration of the Kings by Botticelli and Filippino Lippi, for instance, underwent a meticulous cleaning and restoration process that revealed its complex physical and attributional history. The relining of Van Dyck's equestrian portrait of Charles I posed challenges due to its large size, but the records of conservation offer a valuable insight into the Gallery's lining practices.
Van Dyck's Equestrian Portrait:
The relining of Van Dyck's equestrian portrait of Charles I is described in detail. The operation involved removing the old lining, repairing any damage, and replacing it with a new lining material. The challenges of this operation were significant, as the painting was extremely large and required careful handling. The records of conservation provide a potted history of lining at the National Gallery, highlighting the techniques and materials used over the years.
Jan van Eyck's Portrait of a Man:
Another notable artwork that underwent cleaning and restoration was Jan van Eyck's Portrait of a Man (known as "Léal Souvenir"). The cleaning process revealed the presence of an original surface coating that may explain the excellent condition of the painting. This discovery sheds light on the preservation strategies employed by artists and conservators in the past.
Leonardo da Vinci's Virgin of the Rocks:
Leonardo da Vinci's Virgin of the Rocks is a masterpiece that has undergone extensive study and analysis. In this bulletin, new discoveries from macro XRF scanning and hyperspectral imaging are presented. These techniques allow for a detailed examination of the painting's surface, revealing subtle details and changes that have occurred over time. The findings extend our knowledge of the evolution of the painting during its production.
Conclusion:
The annual bulletin published by the National Gallery in London provides a wealth of information about artists' materials, practices, and techniques. Through the meticulous cleaning and restoration of iconic artworks, the relining of Van Dyck's equestrian portrait, and the exploration of new technologies, the Gallery continues to contribute to our understanding of artistic heritage. This bulletin serves as a valuable resource for art enthusiasts, scholars, and conservation professionals, offering a deep dive into the world of artistic craftsmanship and preservation.

\n Weight: 634g\n
Dimension: 264 x 302 x 13 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781857096705\n \n