Jackson Pollock’s Number 1A, 1948

Jackson Pollock’s Number 1A, 1948: a non-invasive study using macro-x-ray fluorescence mapping (MA-XRF) and multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) analysis

Martins, A (The Museum of Modern Art)
Coddington, J (The Museum of Modern Art)
Van der Snickt, G (Universiteit Antwerpen)
van Driel, B.A. (TU Delft (OLD) MSE-4)
McGlinchey, C. (The Museum of Modern Art)
Dahlberg, D. (Lebanon Valley College)
Janssens, K (Universiteit Antwerpen)
Dik, J. (TU Delft (OLD) MSE-4)

2016

Jackson Pollock’s Number 1A, 1948 painting was investigated using in situ scanning macro-x-ray fluorescence mapping (MA-XRF) to help characterize the artist’s materials and his creative process. A multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) approach was used to examine the hyperspectral data and obtain distribution maps and signature spectra for the paints he used. The composition of the paints was elucidated based on the chemical elements identified in the signature spectra and a tentative list of pigments, fillers and other additives is proposed for eleven different paints and for the canvas. The paint distribution maps were used to virtually reconstruct the artist process and document the sequence and manner in which Pollock applied the different paints, using deliberate and specific gestures

Jackson Pollock
Macro X-ray fluorescence mapping (MA-XRF)
Multivariate curve resolution-alternating least squares (MCR-ALS)
Artist palette

http://resolver.tudelft.nl/uuid:3da0919b-690c-40ec-aaeb-4d9655cdf34f

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40494-016-0105-2

2050-7445

Heritage Science, 4, 1-13

Institutional Repository

journal article

© 2016 A Martins, J Coddington, G Van der Snickt, B.A. van Driel, C. McGlinchey, D. Dahlberg, K Janssens, J. Dik