Tin ImitatingTextile: A Study of the Applied Brocade Technique Using Technical Reconstructions
Date
2016-05
Authors
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Publisher
University of Delaware
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to investigate the historical materials and
techniques used in the production of the applied tin relief decorations found on three
panel paintings in the collection of the Walters Art Museum. The paintings were
created in Venice in 1460-1470 by the Master of the Stories of Helen and depict three
scenes in the life of Helen of Troy. Applied brocade (or presbrokat in German) is a
decorative relief technique used for imitating brocade textiles on Renaissance
paintings and polychrome sculptures. Through visual examination, technical analysis,
and historic materials research, it is possible to reconstruct the recipes and methods
used to produce the applied brocades found on the Helen of Troy paintings. My goal
for this research is to reconstruct a section of the presbrokat found on the Helen of
Troy paintings, in order to better understand the materials and methods used in their
production. Reconstructions were created using possible, historical recipes. These
were then compared with the original applied brocades using visual and technical
analysis. The final reconstruction will be created using the recipe that most closely
conforms to the physical qualities and analysis of the original paintings.
I found that the applied brocades were adhered to a gesso painting ground and
that the tin reliefs were cast with an oil-based fill material. The applied brocade reliefs
were not gilded with precious metal leaves but were likely highlighted with egg
tempera paint. An interlayer of glair may have been necessary to allow for an even
application and to prevent the tempera from beading up on the tin foil surface. Chalkglue
ground on panel molds were used for casting these reconstructions but other mold
materials may also have been used to make the Helen of Troy applied brocades.
Research will continue after the completion of this thesis in order to investigate other
mold materials, determine the original thickness of the tin foil used, and discover other
paints and varnishes that could have been used for highlighting the Helen of Troy
applied brocades.
Description
Keywords
Art Conservation, tin, brocade, textile