Scientific techniques

Films

 

The condition of Tudor portraits

 

The Bank of America Merrill Lynch Art Conservation Project

 

Conserving a portrait of King Edward VI

 

The conservation of the 'Phoenix' portrait of Elizabeth I

 

The conservation treatment of a portrait of Edward VI and the Pope

 

The methods of technical analysis

 

Dendrochronology

 

Microscopy

 

Creature Feature: An unexpected discovery

Techniques of examination

Are new scientific techniques the answer to unlocking the secrets of Tudor portraits?

Infrared reflectography
A technique used to reveal under-drawings and changes in the initial design

Paint analysis
An investigation of microscopic pigment samples in order to help with dating

Dendrochronology
An examination of tree rings which can help to provide the earliest felling dates for the wood used in a panel. The technique can also indicate the geographical origin of the wood

X-ray
A technique used to identify changes in composition beneath the surface of the paint layers

Microscopic examination and photography
An examination of the construction of paint layers and glazes

Ultraviolet investigation
A method which helps to reveal old restoration and varnish layers

Find out more in our downloadable PDF