The tendency to discoloration of geranium lakes and chrome yellow pigments, widely used by Vincent van Gogh in his paintings, poses questions regarding the extent to which colour change afects the way the Amsterdam Sunfowers looks today. This chapter describes how non-invasive macro-scale investigations of the painting, combined with micro-analytical studies of cross-sections and artifcially aged mock-ups, provided evidence of chemical alteration of both geranium lakes and chrome yellows at selected spots on the paint, making it possible to identify some of the key factors that drive the degradation processes. The fndings are relevant for the development of appropriate strategies of preventive conservation, including the selection of optimal lighting conditions for paintings on display.
Chemical Alteration and Colour Changes in the Amsterdam Sunflowers
Romani, Aldo;
2025
Abstract
The tendency to discoloration of geranium lakes and chrome yellow pigments, widely used by Vincent van Gogh in his paintings, poses questions regarding the extent to which colour change afects the way the Amsterdam Sunfowers looks today. This chapter describes how non-invasive macro-scale investigations of the painting, combined with micro-analytical studies of cross-sections and artifcially aged mock-ups, provided evidence of chemical alteration of both geranium lakes and chrome yellows at selected spots on the paint, making it possible to identify some of the key factors that drive the degradation processes. The fndings are relevant for the development of appropriate strategies of preventive conservation, including the selection of optimal lighting conditions for paintings on display.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
