03/22/2024
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Vu Do, 2nd year Fulbright graduate fellow spent his winter in the Painting Conservation Department at the National Gallery of Art, under the guidance of panel painting specialist Sue Ann Chui. Vu's main objective was to delve deeper into the world of European paintings on wood within the Gallery’s extensive collection. He focused his efforts on examining and preparing a report on "Nativity, with the Prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel" by the Sienese master Duccio di Buoninsegna. Utilizing the lab's digital microscope, he captured highly detailed photomacrographs of the surface. Through a thorough investigation that involved consulting existing records including infrared reflectography and x-radiography, Vu was able to make significant discoveries. Notably, he determined that the gilding on the existing frame is the result of a recent restoration campaign which had obscured the original gilding. Vu was also able to confirm the structural relationship between this panel and the other predella paintings.
Beyond examination techniques, Vu gained hands-on experience in pigment identification through the use of x-ray fluorescence and fiber optic reflectance spectroscopy, guided by staff scientists. Additionally, he observed the meticulous process of photogrammetry in action carried out by imaging specialists of a portrait by the artist Rembrandt van Rijn. Vu also gave a presentation on Vietnamese lacquer to the conservation and curatorial staff that was very well received.
https://www.nga.gov/collection/art-object-page.10.html
1. Using the Leica IC90E system to capture photomacrographs of the engaged frame
2. Examining the gilded surface using a microscope
3. Vu giving a presentation on Vietnamese lacquer to the conservation and curatorial staff
4. Walk-through of the French painting galleries with curators and conservators
📸: Sue Ann Chui, Carlandrea Tortorelli.
