Aspects of 17th century Binding Medium: inclusions in Rembrandt’s Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp

Petria Noble, Jørgen Wadum, Karin Groen, Ron M.A. Heeren, Klaas-Jan van den Berg

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingArticle in proceedingsResearchpeer-review

Abstract

During the recent restoration of Rembrandt's Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp minuscule crater-like holes, which cover the surface of the painting, were studied. Whitish material within the holes was identified as lead chloride hydroxide and a variety of lead soaps. These inclusions, which in many cases protrude through the paint, are thought to have formed as a result of the agglomeration of lead compound and saponification of the linseed oil within the ground layer. Possible scenarios for the origin of the chloride are discussed.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationProceedings of the International congress on contribution of chemistry to the works of art, Art & Chimie, la couleur
EditorsJacques Goupy, Jean-Pierre Mohen
Number of pages4
Place of PublicationParis
Publication date2000
Pages126-129
ISBN (Print)2-271-05766-3
Publication statusPublished - 2000
Externally publishedYes

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