The Fading of the Virgin's Robe in Lorenzo Monaco's 'Coronation of the Virgin'

Aviva Burnstock
Technical Bulletin Volume 12, 1988

Abstract

The Virgin's robe in Lorenzo Monaco's late 14th-century Coronation of the Virgin has faded from deep pinkish mauve to white. Exposure to light, both invisible, and to a lesser degree, visible, is a key damaging factor. Differences in protection offered to the pigment by the binding may also have affected the change. Red lake, lead white, and ultramarine were detected in areas of the robe protected by mordant gilding. Fading in the red lake paint in this and other noted examples in Europe suggests that the phenomenon is more common than supposed.

Keywords 

binding, fading, gilding, invisible, light, paint, pigment, protecting

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The Fading of the Virgin's Robe in Lorenzo Monaco's 'Coronation of the Virgin', Aviva Burnstock (PDF 6.12MB)

To cite this article we suggest using

Burnstock, A. 'The Fading of the Virgin's Robe in Lorenzo Monaco's "Coronation of the Virgin"'. National Gallery Technical Bulletin Vol 12, pp 58–65.
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/technical-bulletin/burnstock1988

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