Historical Painting Techniques, Materials, and Studio Practice

Foreword

One of the first events organized by the Getty Conservation Institute as it began its activities about ten years ago was a symposium on paintings conservation. We felt at that time that our particular approach, based on multiple disciplines looking at a single problem, could contribute significantly
to the field of conservation. Over the course of the past years we have continued to develop in that direction and with that belief, so it is particularly appropriate to see these important preprints come to light for the University of Leiden's symposium.
The history of painting techniques is by nature a multidisciplinary area of study, combining research in science, conservation, and art history as well as specific expertise in paintings. Members of each one of these professions bring to the area their own detailed knowledge in artists' materials, techniques, or methods, whether it be information specific to pigments, binding media, signature style, or archival research.
The field of history of painting techniques has been evolving very rapidly in recent years and opening enormous opportunities for further research and connOisseurship, as this important group of papers demonstrates. Not only scientific methods of examination but also bibliographical and archival research are making significant contributions.
The authors of these preprints bring a wide array of expert knowledge as well as many fresh points of view that are certain to provoke serious questions and debate. The editors-Arie Wallert, Erma Hermens, and Marja Peek-have assembled this volume with a most insightful approach and focus. So it is with a great deal of satisfaction and pleasure that we present these papers for the study, and enjoyment, of a fascinating and challenging field.

Miguel Angel Corzo,
Director The Getty Conservation Institute