There isn’t that much literature on technical examination of Amedeo Modigliani’s paintings. Last year I worked on a drawing attributed to Modigliani and I could find few references.
The most important study is the one accomplished in the occasion of a rare Modigliani exhibition held in Paris in 1981 [1]. It compares Multispectral images of the paintings gathered for the exhibition (X-radiographs, Infrared reflectograms, UV fluorescence and raking light images) and reports on the X-ray fluorescence analysis of the pigments. Remarkable is the documentation and comparison of a number of Modigliani’s sign in those paintings.
A case of forgery discovered by scientific examination is illustrated by [2]. The identification of Schweinfurter green and cerulean blue didn’t match with the known palette used by Modigliani.
By the way, the same paper cites the existence of a database of pigments used by Modigliani, owned by the Laboratoire de Recherche des Musees de France. Though, I could not get any further information on this database.
References
[1] G. Garnier; D. Marchesseau “Amedeo Modigliani, 1884-1920 exposition 26 mars-28 juin 1981”, Musée d’art moderne de la ville de Paris.
[2] R. Klockenkamper, A. von Bohlen and L. Moens “Analysis of Pigments and Inks on Oil Paintings and Historical Manuscripts Using Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry” X-Ray Spectrometry 29, 119–129 (2000).[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
Dear Sir,
I did some research on the internet. As to the Modigliani, there is one person in Europe who has the most massive database on pigments, X-ray and infrared images of Modigliani’s entire work.
It is Greta Garcia Hernandez, technician and scientist working at the IVAC+r, Valencia Spain, that is the Valencian province Institute of preservation of cultural heritage (Institut Valencia de conservacio i restauratio de bens culturals).
There site is http://www.ivcr.es , and only the Spanish version has full info about the organization and how to contact them. The English, French and German texts do not tell enough. So, if you want to consult her expertise, you will need a Spanish colleague.
Yours sincerely,
Casper Westrik
Maastricht
[email protected]
Hi Casper, thanks so much!
Dear Antonino, we examined several paintings by Elmyr De Hory on the last 2-3 years. It seems he used modern paints only; most of his works were done by titanium white (grounding and colors). I think to use XRF analysis is the easiest way to find fakes between the Modiglianies.
Greetings from Budapest,
Sophie (Art forensic investigation- Budapest)
What were the known pigments that he used?
Hi JB,
even if it’s “internet”, it’s still nice to start the question with something like “Dear Dr Cosentino,…” That’s gonna motivate me to consider your question and provide a thoughtful answer.
Don’t take it personal 🙂
Dear Dr Cosetino,
My painting mentor is trying to figure out the color palette for modiglianis painting of Beatrice Hastings with checkered blouse.. We are doing a study and have not been able to get the colors correct. If you could please help us that would be grateful. We think he used about 5 colors.
Thank you for your time,
Annie McCone Lopez
Hi Anne, give me a skype call.
I have one painting or draw from amadeo modligiani is on paper, oil signed and date. How i can send the photos
Hi, please send photos by email, get it on my contacts page. Thanks.
Good morning, I just locate an chat. My name is Greta Garcia and my thesis is about Modigliani painting technique. If it is not late to Aclar cualquierr doubt.
A greetin
Hello,
I’m Gret Garcia. I am a restorer of painting in the IVCR (now the web is not active due to technical problems) and my doctoral thesis is: SCIENTIFIC METHODOLOGY FOR THE REALIZATION OF EXPERTIZATIONS.
THE PICTORIAL TECHNIQUE OF AMEDEO MODIGLIANI.
This is the link.
https://riunet.upv.es/handle/10251/68511
If you need any questions, this is my e-mail.
[email protected]
A greeting.
Dear Greta, would it be possible to access the full text of your PhD ? I am a restorer and currently researching for authentification purposes a painting attributed to Modigliani. Many thanks, Alice
Dear Alice, is it possible to talk to you. We are researching several Modiglianis. We also have scientific data available to compare, pigments analyzes. tread counts , and canvas chemical structures.
All the Best,