A recent study published in Nature Communications suggests that Old Masters like Leonardo da Vinci used proteins, especially egg yolk, in their oil paintings. This discovery can help preserve artworks and provide insights into the techniques used by artists, making it a significant contribution to art history and conservation.
A new study suggests that Old Masters like Leonardo da Vinci may have used proteins, especially egg yolk, in their oil paintings.
The Study’s Findings
According to a recent study published in the journal Nature Communications, trace quantities of protein residue have long been detected in classic oil paintings. However, these residues were often attributed to contamination rather than intentional use by the artists.
The researchers recreated the process of paint-making using four ingredients: egg yolk, distilled water, linseed oil, and pigment. They mixed two historically popular colors, lead white and ultramarine blue, and observed how the addition of egg yolk affected the paint’s properties.
The Benefits of Adding Egg Yolk
The study found that adding egg yolk to oil paint can have several benefits:
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It can prevent wrinkling in the paint, which is evident in Leonardo da Vinci’s “Madonna of the Carnation.”
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It can make the paint more resistant to humidity and oxidation.
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It can create a high impasto paint without the need for adding a lot of pigment.
Egg Yolk’s Effect on Oil Paint
The study suggests that adding egg yolk to oil paint can have a significant impact on its properties. The presence of egg yolk can:
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Prevent wrinkling in oil paint, which was evident in Leonardo da Vinci’s “Madonna of the Carnation”
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Change the aging process of the paint, making it more resistant to oxidation
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Affect the paint’s behavior and viscosity due to chemical reactions between the oil, pigment, and proteins in the yolk
Benefits for Artists
The addition of egg yolk can be beneficial for artists as it allows them to:
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Create a high impasto paint with less pigment
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Make the paint more resistant to humidity
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Achieve a longer time for the paint to oxidize, reducing the need for frequent touch-ups
Impact on Art History and Conservation
This new knowledge contributes to a better understanding of art history and conservation. It can help in preserving artworks and provide insights into the techniques used by Old Masters.
Researchers’ Reaction
Study author Ophélie Ranquet hopes that these findings will attract more curiosity towards this understudied topic, while Maria Perla Colombini, a professor of analytical chemistry at the University of Pisa, agrees that this exciting paper provides a new scenario for understanding old painting techniques.
