General remarks on the painting technique of Velazquez and restoration carried out at the Museo del Prado |
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| Abstract: | AbstractThe collection of paintings by Velázquez in the Museo del Prado is important both because of the number of works — about 50 — and because of their quality and significance. It includes the Feast of Bacchus (The Drunkards), the Forge of Vulcan, Christ on the Cross, the Surrender of Breda (The Lances), the Fable of Arachne (The Spinners), Las Meninas and various royal portraits. Most of these works are in very good condition, which is essential for a proper study of the painter's technique and his development; in addition, since their source is the royal collection, they are well documented. Since 1982 most of the works by Velázquez in the Museo del Prado have been submitted to technical examination and to restoration. The technical studies included X-radiography, infrared reflectography, and analysis of the supports and materials, allowing us to establish the characteristics of each painting (technique, changes in composition, condition, history) and the development ofthe artist through the changes in his technique. Restoration consisted basically of consolidating the paint layers, moderate cleaning and the inpainting oflacunae. The only exception to the general good condition of the paintings was The Spinners, which presented a serious problem of craquelure and lack of adhesion in the paint layer. |
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