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(Left) The Portrait of a Musician by Leonardo da Vinci before 1904; (right) the Portrait of a Musician after a 1904–1905 restoration, which removed overpaint and revealed a hand holding sheet music
Overpainting is the final layers of paint, over some type of underpainting, in a system of working in layers. It can also refer to later paint added by restorers, or an artist or dealer wishing to "improve" or update an old image—a very common practice in the past. The underpainting gives a context in which the paint-strokes of the overpainting become more resonant and powerful. When properly done, overpainting does not need to completely obscure the underpainting. It is precisely the interaction of the two that gives the most interesting effects.
Overpainting was used extensively in many schools of art. Some of the most spectacular results can be seen in the work of Jan van Eyck.
It can be difficult to distinguish overpainting from underpainting in finished historical artworks in the absence of scientific tests. X-rays are often used to examine paintings because they allow the conservation technician to see what is hidden beneath a surface without having to damage it, depending on the materials used. By using different intensities of X-rays, experts can see different layers of paint and determine whether a canvas was ever painted over.
in which the paint-strokes of the overpainting become more resonant and powerful. When properly done, overpainting does not need to completely obscure...
overpainting, without the danger of the colors physically blending and becoming muddy. If underpainting is done properly, it facilitates overpainting...
state of preservation and the fact that there is no sign of repair or overpainting is rare in a panel painting of this date. In the painting Virgin and...
compared to other Bruegels, although this question is complicated by later overpainting; (ii) it is an oil painting on canvas, an exception in the work of Peter...
face and hands at some time around the thirteenth century. When the overpainting was cleaned in 1962, the ancient image was revealed to be a very high-quality...
getting relaxed. He progresses to working in oils on canvas, one day overpainting an unfinished study of Liz. When Liz sneaks into the studio one night...
Inpainting Kintsugi Leafcasting Lining of paintings Mass deacidification Overpainting Paleo-inspiration Paper splitting Reconstruction (architecture) Rissverklebung...
which extends from nostril to pupil. It is apparent that there is some overpainting to the subject's left eye and cheek, and probably the mouth. There is...
There is also slight overpainting in the mouth and nose; some art historians suggest Eugène Delacroix was responsible for the overpaint in the background...
revealed that the facial structure of the icon was altered due to previous overpainting, resulting in a combination of "oriental and occidental" features of...
during conservation work in 1934. It was in the course of this work that overpainting was removed, revealing the unicorn, and removing the wheel, cloak, and...
collecting in the United States". The triptych is well preserved with little overpainting, glossing, dirt layers or paint loss. Other panel paintings in the collection...
clay fabric, while the background was covered in a black gloss), with overpainting (sovradipinto) in white, pink, yellow, and maroon slips. Often the style...
top and bottom. An ultramarine blue sky was discovered under a greyish overpainting and taken to be the original sky The Abduction of Europa 1632 Oil on...
gold ring, which is preserved in Noyon Cathedral, the halo, a later overpainting, has since been cleaned away; the painting has therefore been identified...
Inpainting Kintsugi Leafcasting Lining of paintings Mass deacidification Overpainting Paleo-inspiration Paper splitting Reconstruction (architecture) Rissverklebung...
Inpainting Kintsugi Leafcasting Lining of paintings Mass deacidification Overpainting Paleo-inspiration Paper splitting Reconstruction (architecture) Rissverklebung...
palaces, and was severely damaged through time by climate conditions and overpainting. Hence, the original quality of the painting is difficult to fully appreciate...
Inpainting Kintsugi Leafcasting Lining of paintings Mass deacidification Overpainting Paleo-inspiration Paper splitting Reconstruction (architecture) Rissverklebung...
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