Agony in the Garden

The following examination methods were applied: Stereomicroscopy, XRF analysis (Thermo Scientific - Niton XL3t GOLDD+), UV-light, X-radiography (Oehm and Rehbein, Leonardo/ Varex-Perkin Elmer XRPad2 4336) and infrared reflectography (Osiris 900 - 1700 nm).

The support consists of several vertically aligned hardwood boards (possibly limewood). The X-radiograph shows a fibrous application at right angles to the direction of the grain.

A white ground was applied to the recto. A barb and partial incisions are preserved c. 1 - 1.2 cm from the edge of the panel.

An underdrawing is visible in the infrared reflectogram. The lines were probably executed with pen and brush and a liquid black medium. The figures and landscape were initially drawn using longer and broader curved lines and then the faces and other details were described with finer and shorter lines. The stone slab on which Christ knees is considerably larger in the underdrawing.

The following elements were detected using XRF and in conjunction with their optical characteristics the following pigments were identified:

Yellow: Pb, Ca, Hg, Sn, Sr, (Fe)

Pb: lead white; Pb/Sn: lead tin yellow; Ca: chalk/gypsum (?); Hg: vermilion; Sr: component of Ca/ Pb (?)

Yellow: Ca, Pb, Cu, Sn, Fe, Zn, Hg, Sr

• Ca: chalk/ gypsum (?); Pb: white lead; Pb/ Sn: lead tin yellow; Cu: copper blue/ green (?); Fe: Iron oxide/ ochre (?); Zn: Zinc white (retouching?); Hg: vermilion, Sr: Component of Ca/ Pb (?)

Green: Ca, Pb, Cu, Fe, Ti, Sn, Sr, (Mn)

Ca: chalk/ gypsum (?); Pb: lead white; Pb/ Sn: lead tin yellow; Cu: copper green/ blue (?); Fe/Mn: iron oxide/ ochre (?); Ti: component Fe/ titanium dioxide (?); Sr: component of Ca/ Pb (?)

Blue: Pb, Cu, Ca, Fe, Sr (Ti)

Pb: lead white, Cu: copper-containing blue/ green (?); Ca: chalk/ gypsum (?); Fe: iron oxide/ ochre (?); Ti: component Fe/ titanium dioxide (?); Sr: component of Ca/ Pb (?)

Flesh paint: Pb, Ca, Hg, Sr

Pb: lead white; Ca: chalk/ gypsum (?); Hg: vermilion, Sr: component of Ca/ Pb (?)

Red: Ca, Fe, Hg, Pb, Sr

Ca: chalk/ gypsum (?); Fe: iron oxide/ ochre (?); Hg: vermilion; Pb: lead white; Sr: component of Ca/ Pb (?)

The following pigments were identified in the paint layer: lead white, lead tin yellow, vermilion, iron oxide red, copper-containing green pigment and azurite.

Opaque to translucent paint was applied in several layers using both a brushing and stippling technique. The blue robes are modulated over a grey underpainting. Significant changes during the painting process are not visible in the x-radiograph.

[Blumenroth, Heydenreich, unpublished examination report, 04.10.2023]

DESCRIPTION

Tools/Material:

- fluid, black medium, brush

Type/Ductus:

- relatively detailed, freehand underdrawing

- thin lines; short curved lines in the face

Function:

- relatively binding for the final painted version; lines define the main contours and describe essential details as well as facial features; no representation of volume

Deviations:

- minor corrections were made during the painting process; small changes

INTERPRETATION

Attribution:

- Workshop Lucas Cranach the Elder

[Sandner, Smith-Contini, Heydenreich, cda 2016]

The painting is in a stable condition.

Support:

• in recent times the panel has been thinned to c. 0.4 - 0.5 cm and a cradle was attached to the reverse

• open wood worm channels (inactive)

• slightly trimmed at he left and right edges

• wooden strip attached to the left edge (from the centre c. 19 cm long and c. 0.9 cm wide)

Paint layer:

• pronounced craquelure and slightly abraded in places

• some minor retouches, particularly in the area of the joint and along the upper edge

Coatings:

• recent varnish

[Blumenroth, Heydenreich, unpublished examination report, 04.10.2023]