Research Summary

In the framework of this PhD project a comprehensive exploration of the original methods of production of lead chromate and cochineal red lake based pigments used by the Portuguese painter Amadeo de Souza-Cardoso, is being carried out. Amadeo used high quality artists’ oil paints (e.g. Winsor and Newton, Lefranc and Bourgeois) and therefore, the unique Winsor & Newton (W&N) 19^th century archive is being thoroughly investigated. A systematic study of their chrome yellow pigment formulations has allowed the successful production of reference pigments with a high degree of historical accuracy. These formulations are found in W&N historic oil paint tubes and Amadeo’s paintings. Moreover, in order to further the knowledge on the vulnerability and degradation pathways of lead chromate based pigments, photodegradation studies are being conducted using the historically accurate reference pigments. Ultimately, the data acquired will enable us to assess the original appearance and condition of Amadeo's paintings.

PhD Project Title: Bright colours: historically accurate reconstructions of Amadeo's palette.

Supervisors: Maria João Melo (DCR UNL-FCT), Márcia Vilarigues (Vicarte, DCR FCT/UNL) and Maria Conceição Oliveira (IST-UL).