Vermeer technical studies

Vermeer paintings from various (inter)national collections have been examined using the latest non-invasive imaging techniques. This yielded new insights into Vermeer’s creative process and the specific materials and techniques that he used.

About the project

In the context of the large Vermeer exhibition at the Rijksmuseum (February-June 2023), several paintings were imaged with macro X-ray fluorescence scanning, reflectance imaging spectroscopy, macro X-ray powder diffraction and high resolution photography for the first time. These non-invasive analytical techniques allow us to visualize in unprecedented detail Vermeer’s first sketch phase, the underlayers he applied and the many compositional changes he made during painting. Furthermore, these techniques enable us to map Vermeer’s pigment use throughout his oeuvre, providing new insights into his use of materials.

Aim of the project

In the context of the large Vermeer exhibition at the Rijksmuseum (February-June 2023), several paintings were imaged with macro X-ray fluorescence scanning, reflectance imaging spectroscopy, macro X-ray powder diffraction and high resolution photography for the first time. These non-invasive analytical techniques allow us to visualize in unprecedented detail Vermeer’s first sketch phase, the underlayers he applied and the many compositional changes he made during painting. Furthermore, these techniques enable us to map Vermeer’s pigment use throughout his oeuvre, providing new insights into his use of materials.

Publications

• VERMEER, exhibition catalogue, Rijksmuseum Amsterdam 2023

Related events

• VERMEER Exhibition, Amsterdam Rijksmuseum, 10 February-4 June 2023
• VERMEER Symposium, Amsterdam Rijksmuseum, 28-29 March 2023
  A two-day symposium focusing on recent technical and art historical research.

Partners and sponsors

• Mauritshuis, The Hague
• The Frick Collection, New York
• The Leiden Collection, New York
• Städel Museum, Frankfurt am Main
• National Galleries of Scotland, Edinburgh
• Kufu Company Inc., Tokyo (on long-term loan at the National Museum of Western Art, Tokyo)