Evaluation of the influence of varnish on the color of Picasso's Woman in Blue. Issue 2 (7th February 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mayorga, Santiago; Vazquez, Daniel; Cabello, Cristina; Melgosa, Manuel; Muro, Carmen; Fernandez-Balbuena, Antonio Alvarez
• Is Part Of: Spectroscopy letters. Volume 53:Issue 2(2020)
• Page Start: 140
• Page End: 151
• Publication Date: 2020-02-07
• Subjects: Colorimetry -- paint color-measuring -- Picasso -- restoration -- spectral characterization; Spectrum analysis -- Periodicals; 543.5
• DOI: 10.1080/00387010.2020.1715438
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-7010

Abstract

Abstract: Spectral and color characterizations reveal aspects of artworks which support the criteria for restoration and subsequent processes. Usually, the aim is to characterize the different compounds and their state in artworks by means of minimally invasive analyses and to provide information on deteriorated areas. It has been applied spectral analysis and other techniques to study the 2011 varnish-removal restoration of Picasso's Woman in Blue, painted in 1901. Instrumental analyses indicated that the varnish removed in this restoration was an acrylic resin, unavailable at the time Picasso painted this artwork. This varnish acted as a filter absorbing visible light in a selective way (17–24%), modifying the color appearance of the original paint. The painting was characterized spectrally before and after the restoration, indicating that the average color difference for a set of 140 points regularly distributed throughout the painting was 3.8 Commission Internationale de l´Éclairage 1976 L*a*b* units. Specifically, on the average, the restoration substantially increased lightness, slightly decreased chroma, and caused a shift toward less yellow hues. Color changes in two different regions of the painting indicated hue-shifts in different directions. Current measurements will be useful in general conservation processes as a reference to determine future degradation.