The Technique and Restoration of Bramantino's 'Adoration of the Kings'

Jill Dunkerton
Technical Bulletin Volume 14, 1993

Abstract

The effects of previous conservation treatments of The Adoration of the Kings, including one by Molteni, are described in the context of a recent treatment of the panel. The artist's obsession with perspective is revealed by the lines incised into the gesso ground. They are discussed in detail, in relation to his process of constructing the image. Gas chromatography showed the medium to be walnut oil, whose inferior drying compared to linseed oil accounts for cracking on the surface. The artist's techniques and use of pigments are discussed.

Keywords 

cracking, drying, gesso, history of conservation, panel paintings, pigment, Suardi Bramantino, walnut oil

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To cite this article we suggest using

Dunkerton, J. 'The Technique and Restoration of Bramantino's "Adoration of the Kings"'. National Gallery Technical Bulletin Vol 14, pp 42–61.
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/technical-bulletin/dunkerton1993