Rene Magritte: The Artist's Materials

Rene Magritte, a renowned Belgian artist of the 20th century, is the focus of this volume, which examines fifty oil paintings using noninvasive scientific imaging and chemical analysis to reveal his painting materials, overpainting techniques, and degradation mechanisms. It offers valuable insights for conservators, scientists, curators, and art enthusiasts, expanding our understanding of Magritte and informing future care strategies for his works.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 120 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2023
Publisher: Getty Trust Publications

Rene Magritte, the renowned Belgian artist of the 20th century, holds a prominent position within the realm of Surrealism and is celebrated as one of its most influential representatives. While substantial literature exists regarding his artistic practices, artistic community, and profound impact on the history of modernism, there has been limited documentation regarding his artistic process. Despite his reticence to delve into the details of his techniques and materials, practical considerations related to media and cost exerted a significant influence on his output and legacy. This comprehensive volume explores fifty oil paintings created by Magritte between 1921 and 1967, currently housed in the prestigious Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium. Through a technical examination of these works employing noninvasive scientific imaging and chemical analysis, this study sheds light on the artist's painting materials, his tendency to overpaint previous compositions, and the underlying causes and mechanisms of surface and pigment degradation. This book holds immense value for conservators, scientists, curators, and enthusiasts of 20th-century art, as it expands our understanding of Magritte as an artist and presents valuable insights that will inform future care strategies for his remarkable works.

Weight: 492g
Dimension: 192 x 256 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781606068007