Zastosowanie mikroskopii fluorescencyjnej UV w poszukiwaniu charakterystycznych cech budowy obrazów olejnych Aleksandra Gierymskiego

Abstract

The paper presents research on the structure of oil paintings by Aleksander Gierymski (*1850 –†1901) based on the microscopic analysis of cross -sections of samples of paint layers.

The research covered samples collected from ca. 30 works of the artist, representative for all the periods of his artistic activity. The paintings came from the collections of the National Museum in Krakow, Poznań, Gdańsk, Wrocław and Kielce, from the District Museum in Toruń, Museum of Arts in Łodź and Silesian Museum in Katowice.

The applied method of UV- fl uorescence microscopy allowed for determination of characteristic features of the structure of paintings, related mainly with the kinds of media and ways of their application. The results of the research allowed to determine, that a characteristic medium used by Aleksander Gierymski was a medium containing most probably copal resin, of a strong white fl uorescence in UV- light. This feature allowed to trace the location of that substance in the stratygraphy of paintings. This medium plays various roles – from the typical in easel paintings role of the varnish, binding medium of the paints and pure medium used as inter-layer or a plastic substance that the artist used to create impastos and other distinct texture effects of the painted artefacts.

This medium gives the paint layers of the artist paintings gassy character and spatial properties. However the excessive use results in a number of characteristic deformations of the surface – e.g. deep, penetrating cracks.