Methodology & Resources: New Findings from the National Gallery of Art

Abstract

The findings of the recent comprehensive technical study (2020–2022) of all four works by or attributed to Vermeer at the National Gallery of Art, Washington, are presented in three articles in this issue. This section offers guidance on using the JHNA image viewers and expands on the brief technical overviews in the articles with additional detail on the analytical methods used. For those who have not previously used such documents, we offer suggestions on how to interpret technical evidence. For those who regularly use such evidence in their research, the specific operating parameters of each method can be found in the endnotes of each section below. Whereas prior studies mainly relied on microanalysis of paint samples and magnified examination of the painted surface with a stereomicroscope, this study also used extensive analysis based on non-invasive chemical imaging spectroscopy, the results of which are presented in the form of images and maps, rather than graphs, making them accessible to a wider audience.