This book is a collection of scientific papers written over 30 years by Karin Groen on aspects of the painting of Rembrandt, Frans Hals, Leyster, Vermeer, Van Gogh etc. The author tracks the historical development of the application of scientific techniques in research into artists techniques and materials and examines phenomena such as the changing of green pigments to blue, the use of red in preparatory layers, binding media, blanching and organic pigments.
Contents:
In memoriam: Karin Groen
Introduction: Perspectives on the evolution of science for art history and conservation, and its current state
Part I - Grounds and binding media
Chapter 1 - Halcyon days for art history
Chapter 2 - Grounds in Rembrandt's workshop and in paintings by his contemporaries
Chapter 3 - Earth Matters. The origin of the material used for the preparation of the Night Watch and many other canvases in Rembrandt's workshop after 1640
Chapter 4 - In the beginning there was red
Chapter 5 - Investigation of the use of the binding medium by Rembrandt. Chemical analysis and theology
Part II - Changing colours
Chapter 6 - Towards identification of brown discolouration on green paint
Chapter 7 - Towards identification of brown discolouration on green paint revisited
Chapter 8 - The foliage tends almost to blue
Chapter 9 - Scanning electron-microscopy as an aid in the study of blanching
Part III - Study of painting techniques
Chapter 10 - Frans Hals: a technical examination (Co-author: Ella Hendriks)
Chapter 11 - Judith Leyster: a technical examination of her work (Co-author: Ella Hendriks)
Chapter 12 - Scientific examination of Vermeer's Girl with the Pearl Earring (Co-authors: Inez van der Werf, Klaas Jan van den Berg and Jaap J. Boon)
Summary
Samenvatting
Bibliography
Acknowlegdements
