Genesis of oil painting: the impact of metal siccative synergies used by 15th-century Flemish masters on oil workability and drying
Lucie Laporte’s post-doctoral project is studying paintings representing the emergence of oil painting technology, as practised by the 15th-century Flemish masters, by characterising their rheological properties (workability) and drying. This study echoes previous works that had highlighted the role of lead compounds on the rheology and drying speed of oil-based binders. This project aims to increase our understanding of these recipes by studying the combined effect of several siccatives (e.g. lead, zinc, copper, calcium) and different pigments.