Zprávy památkové péče 2021, 81(1):70-80 | DOI: 10.56112/zpp.2021.1.08

Comparing the technique of portraiture painting on selected works by Josef Mánes

Hana Bilavčíková, Václava Antušková

Národní galerie Praha

The article presents the results of restoration and material research carried out on selected portraits by Josef Mánes. The use of modern scientific methods made it possible to describe in detail the materials - various types of backgrounds, base materials, pigments and binders, the painting construction of paintings such as underdrawings and various methods of underpainting, and analysis of the contained materials. In his work, Mánes initially used classical approaches of painting technique, which he adopted from his father Antonín and during his studies at the Academy of Fine Arts. The development of his technique is clearly evident in the method of building up the colored layer of incarnates. In his early works, he frequently used translucency of the background. Later, he began to underlay his paintings with a full-area underlay with a top coat. Mánes was a skilful draughtsman. This is reflected in the exact execution of the underdrawing. Changes in the composition were often observed in smaller studies before the final paintings. The pigments identified on works reflect the situation on the art market. New pigments were also identified in Mánes' works which had been available on the market for a relatively short time.

Keywords: Josef Mánes; portraiture; restoration research; painting technique; scientific research

Published: March 1, 2021  Show citation