Fig. 7: VIS and IRR image, MA-XRF maps, and reconstruction. | npj Heritage Science

Fig. 7: VIS and IRR image, MA-XRF maps, and reconstruction.

From: Towards a classification system for Modernist painters’ reworking practices illustrated by James Ensor’s revised paintings

Fig. 7

a Adoration of the Shepherds (1887, KMSKB). Photograph by R. Klein Gotink for the Ensor Research Project (KMSKA, 2013–present). b, c MA-XRF distribution maps of copper and arsenic, present only in Ensor’s reworking brushstrokes. (d) Chrome distribution, showing a thick, spontaneously applied chrome green layer in the upper-left corner, added by Ensor. e Zinc distribution, corresponding to zinc white in the original peasant scene, possibly as a paint tube additive or mixed in by Ensor to lighten hues. f Mercury distribution (vermilion), used in the original scene and Ensor’s reworking, seen in thick strokes on the lower part of the painting. g Manganese distribution corresponding to the early stages of the original painting, revealing original peasant details such as stance and attire. h, i Iron and cobalt distributions. j Detail of Adoration of the Shepherds. k IRR detail showing the original seated position of the right-hand man, with his legs under a table. Reflectography by A. Verburg for the Ensor Research Project (KMSKA,2013–present). l Reconstruction of the right-hand man’s position: white lines indicate the original position based on the IRR; red lines show Ensor’s reworking, converting him to a kneeling figure.

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