Resisting Narrative: The Problem of Edgar Degas's Interior

Sidlauskas, Susan

doi:10.2307/3045989

Cited by 2 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…However the disproportionate and blurred form of the ears is indicative of several attempts to achieve the final proportions and features. Degas is reported as having painted “pixie” like ears at about this period 46 . By examining single elemental maps of the painting it is possible to observe such a “pixie” like ear shape ( e.g ., Mn and Fe, Fig.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Hidden Portrait by Edgar Degas

Thurrowgood

Paterson

Jonge

et al. 2016

Sci Rep

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The preservation and understanding of cultural heritage depends increasingly on in-depth chemical studies. Rapid technological advances are forging connections between scientists and arts communities, enabling revolutionary new techniques for non-invasive technical study of culturally significant, highly prized artworks. We have applied a non-invasive, rapid, high definition X-ray fluorescence (XRF) elemental mapping technique to a French Impressionist painting using a synchrotron radiation source, and show how this technology can advance scholarly art interpretation and preservation. We have obtained detailed technical understanding of a painting which could not be resolved by conventional techniques. Here we show 31.6 megapixel scanning XRF derived elemental maps and report a novel image processing methodology utilising these maps to produce a false colour representation of a “hidden” portrait by Edgar Degas. This work provides a cohesive methodology for both imaging and understanding the chemical composition of artworks, and enables scholarly understandings of cultural heritage, many of which have eluded conventional technologies. We anticipate that the outcome from this work will encourage the reassessment of some of the world’s great art treasures.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%