Thesis: preparatory grounds used by Van Gogh (2006)

Title: Paints quantified: image analytical studies of preparatory grounds used by Van Gogh
Author: Beatrice Marino
University: University of Amsterdam
Year: 2006
ISBN-13: 978-90-77209-19-6
Type of document: PhD thesis
Download: http://www-old.amolf.nl/... (pdf files available)

From the Introduction:

In this thesis an in-depth imaging analytical study of grounds in a group of pictures painted on ready-primed carton supports is conducted, to investigate the differences between the paints. The study follows a new approach based on quantitative analytical techniques. The broader aim is to develop new, quantitative techniques for comparing and classifying paint sample cross-sections.

Table of Contents (short version):

1. Introduction

2. Imaging-SIMS characterization of selected ground paints in paintings by Van Gogh
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Materials
2.3 Interpretation of SIMS data
2.4 Case study
2.5 Technical discussion and conclusions
2.6 Acknowledgements
2.7 References

Appendix to Chapter 2
A.2.1 Menilite, the Paris Basin, and paint manufacturing and trading
A.2.2 Chert and menilite
A.2.3 Geology of the Paris Basin
A.2.4 Observations on the characteristics of other materials found in paints
A.2.5 Final comments
A.2.6 Acknowledgements
A.2.7 References

3. Quantitative colour analysis of ground paints in paint cross-sections
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Materials
3.3 Method of colour comparison in digital images
3.4 Discussion of the case study: grounds in paintings by van Gogh
3.5 Conclusions
3.6 Acknowledgements
3.7 References

4. Quantitative analysis of composition of ground paints in paint cross-sections
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Materials
4.3 Methodology of comparison of the material composition
4.4 Case study: grounds in paintings by van Gogh
4.5 Conclusions
4.6 Acknowledgements
4.7 References

5. Quantitative analysis of texture of ground paints in paint cross-sections
5.1 Introduction
5.2 Texture, structure, and morphology
5.3 Materials and methods
5.4 Method of texture analysis
5.5 Case study: selected grounds of van Gogh
5.6 Conclusions
5.7 Acknowledgements
5.8 References

6. A NanoSIMS study of a paint cross-section from a ground of Van Gogh's plaster figure of a female torso
6.1 Introduction
6.2 Materials
6.3 Results
6.4 Conclusions
6.5 Acknowledgements
6.6 References

Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C