Scientific Examination of the Painting Entitled While Baby Sleeps
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Authors
Gulcev, Makedonka
Date
Type
thesis
Language
eng
Keyword
Paul Peel , While Baby Sleeps , Scientific Examination , Attribution , Technical analysis
Alternative Title
Abstract
Scientific examination of the painting entitled While Baby Sleeps was undertaken
due to concerns raised during a conservation treatment in 1986 regarding its attribution to
Canadian painter Paul Peel. At this time, doubts were cast regarding the signature in the
lower left corner, “PAUL PEEL/PARIS -1888,” since it was soluble in the solvent mixture
used to remove the varnish layer, suggesting it had been placed on top of the varnish.
Furthermore, paint texture with no relation to the present image was detected, as well as
evidence that the lower right hand corner of the painting had been scraped down.
For this thesis, cross-sections were excised from the P and U in PAUL. The cross-section
from the letter P showed a more complex layered structure than that obtained from
the U. Additionally, the U cross-section showed clear evidence that it had been reinforced
in the past, since the final paint layer appeared over the varnish layer.
Non-contact analytical techniques such as x-ray radiography, UV-induced
fluorescence, and infrared reflectography indicated the presence of a previous composition.
Micro-destructive samples were obtained in the form of cross-sections and paint
microsamples and were used to evaluate whether any paints contain elements indicative of
materials not available during Peel’s lifetime. None of the samples tested by SEM-EDS
revealed any such incongruencies. The findings do not shed definitive light on the
attribution debate surrounding While Baby Sleeps. Therefore, Peel cannot be excluded as
the artist of this work, nor can his authorship be proved beyond the shadow of a doubt.
The subject matter depicted in While Baby Sleeps is in keeping with Peel’s style, however
very little information regarding its provenance before arriving at the Agnes Etherington
Art Centre (AEAC) is known.
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ProQuest PhD and Master's Theses International Dissemination Agreement
Intellectual Property Guidelines at Queen's University
Copying and Preserving Your Thesis
This publication is made available by the authority of the copyright owner solely for the purpose of private study and research and may not be copied or reproduced except as permitted by the copyright laws without written authority from the copyright owner.