Analyses of Paint Media

John Mills and Raymond White
Technical Bulletin Volume 4, 1980

Abstract

A table shows the ratio of palmitic to stearic acids in oils from Italian paintings of the periods 1400 to 1800, 1521 to 1800 and 1400 to 1520. The extent to which these ratios indicate the use of linseed, poppy seed, or walnut oils is discussed. Discusses the possible transition from walnut to linseed oil around 1520.

Keywords

binders, Italy, linseed oil, paint, poppy-seed oil, walnut oil, fatty acid, gas chromatography, National Gallery (London, England), paintings (objects)

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To cite this article we suggest using

Mills, J., White, R. 'Analyses of Paint Media'. National Gallery Technical Bulletin Vol 4, pp 65–67.
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/technical-bulletin/mills_white1980

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