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Van Gogh's "Patch of Grass"
Art and Science Unite in Breakthrough Discovery of Van Gogh Portrait
by
Rachel Balik
A portrait of a woman has been found underneath Vincent Van Gogh’s painting “Patch of Grass,” using cutting-edge X-ray technology.
30-Second Summary
Art historian and materials scientist Joris Dik and chemist Koen Janssens used high-intensity X-rays generated by a particle accelerator to recreate a high-quality image of a peasant woman concealed by the artist’s painting “Patch of Grass.” “I was really surprised by the quality of the image, which is really promising for the future of research,” Dutch Van Gogh expert Teio Meedendorp said.
Previously, X-rays were used to study painted-over works but could produce only a “fuzzy, black-and-white image,” the Associated Press reports. The scientists hope that the new technology will provide an avenue to study Van Gogh’s oeuvre, as one-third of his early works are thought to have been painted over by later works, because Van Gogh could not always afford fresh canvases. Other masters, such as Rembrandt and Picasso, also painted over their work.
The researchers wrote that, “our approach literally opens up new vistas in the nondestructive study of hidden paint layers.”
The technology will help art historians learn more about painters’ methodology. Experts believe this portrait of a peasant woman used the same model as Van Gogh’s masterpiece, “The Potato Eaters.”
Previously, X-rays were used to study painted-over works but could produce only a “fuzzy, black-and-white image,” the Associated Press reports. The scientists hope that the new technology will provide an avenue to study Van Gogh’s oeuvre, as one-third of his early works are thought to have been painted over by later works, because Van Gogh could not always afford fresh canvases. Other masters, such as Rembrandt and Picasso, also painted over their work.
The researchers wrote that, “our approach literally opens up new vistas in the nondestructive study of hidden paint layers.”
The technology will help art historians learn more about painters’ methodology. Experts believe this portrait of a peasant woman used the same model as Van Gogh’s masterpiece, “The Potato Eaters.”
Headline Links: Scientists recreate hidden Van Gogh portrait
Art historians have used X-ray technology to examine layered paintings in the past, but were only able to see black-and-white images of poor quality. When art historian and materials scientist Joris Dik teamed up with chemist Koen Janssens, they used high-intensity X-rays from a particle accelerator to identify different types of atoms in the paint. Then, they mapped the image using the data they collected. It was the combination of Dik’s comprehensive understanding of pigment and Janssens’s scientific knowledge that resulted in the final image. The researchers hope the technique can be applied to more works by Van Gogh, as well as paintings by Picasso and Rembrandt.
Source: Seattle Times (AP)
Scientists from Delft University of Technology and the University of Antwerp used a technique based on “based on synchrotron radiation induced X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy.” The new technology enables scientists to see clearer pictures than they could with previous X-rays, because it can reveal the fluorescence of each atom in the painting, which means it can distinguish between different substances used in paint, such as lead or mercury. The speed of this technology allows large areas of the painting to be examined in detail. In the case of the Van Gogh portrait, it took two days to scan the woman’s head, which measured 17.5 x 17.5 cm.
Source: Science Daily
Historical Context: Understanding Van Gogh’s oeuvre
In a report of their findings published by the American Chemistry Society, researchers explained, “Our approach literally opens up new vistas in the nondestructive study of hidden paint layers, which applies to the oeuvre of Van Gogh in particular and to old master paintings in general.” Because he knew little success in his lifetime, Van Gogh was driven by poverty to reuse canvas, and art historians believe that one-third of his early works have other painting beneath them. In the case of this particular work, Van Gogh probably sent the original painting to his brother. When he found it again some two-and-a-half years later, he “may very well have found the woman’s head hopelessly old-fashioned by then.” His rejection of the work, combined “with his uncomfortable financial situation, can explain the presence of a colorful, Parisian style floral painting on top of a dark and sombre head of a provincial Dutch woman.”
Source: American Chemistry Society
Reference: Analyzing ‘Patch of Grass,’ ‘The Potato Eaters’ and Van Gogh
In a video presentation, art historian and materials scientist Joris Dik from Delft University describes how he and his colleagues mapped the portrait of the woman concealed by “Patch of Grass.” The video reveals how the image was extracted, and compares it to images of what older technology would have produced, as well as what a conventional, on-the-surface Van Gogh portrait would look like.
Source: Scientific Blogging
Vincent Van Gogh lived and painted at the same time as the Impressionist artists, however, this enigmatic artist developed a style that was distinctly his own. A vibrant use of color and a dreamlike quality are characteristic of his works. Explore the life of the Dutch genius who created celebrated masterpieces while struggling with internal conflict.
Source: findingDulcinea
Scientists believe that the woman in the portrait was the same model that Van Gogh used in his famous masterpiece, “The Potato Eaters.” According to the Van Gogh Gallery Web site, the artist had completed “various sketches and trial paintings of the piece.”
Source: The Van Gogh Gallery
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