The Materials and Techniques of Medieval Painting

by Daniel Varney Thompson Jr., Bernard Berenson (Foreword)

An internationally renowned expert relates the secrets behind the recipes, materials, and processes used by medieval painters to obtain brilliance and permanence. Based on years of study of antique manuscripts and modern laboratory analysis, this volume explains carriers and grounds, binding media, pigments, coloring materials, and metals used in painting. "A rich feast." — The Times (London).

Genres: Art, Art History, History, Nonfiction, Reference, Medieval

239 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1956

About the author

Daniel Varney Thompson (1902-1980) was an art conservator and historian, professor, engineer, and writer. A noted authority on medieval painting, Varney lived and worked primarily in the Boston area and London.

Reviews

[Les · Rating 3 out of 5]

A delightful read if you really want to get into the nitty-gritty of medieval art. I found myself constantly astounded by the complexity of chemical processes exploited by medieval craftsmen. While alchemy is generally considered the root of chemistry, the preparation and appropriate us of the materials of art was not far behind.

Of course, of little practical use and not really offering any coherent theory of itself. But great fun if you find the time fascinating anyway, with details that I hope may be of some use someday of only in a discussion of history of science.