Uncovering a lost narrative: Rediscovering Paulus Potter's Head of a White Bull through multidisciplinary analysis

Abstract

Head of a White Bull, a fragmentary painting attributed to Paulus Potter (1625–1654), has been identified as part of a lost composition depicting The Abduction of Europa. Multidisciplinary analysis, including infrared reflectography (IRR), reflectance imaging spectroscopy in the shortwave infrared range (RIS-SWIR), handheld and macro X-ray fluorescence (XRF) scanning, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), revealed hidden details such as the figure of Europa and provided insights into the painting’s material history. The study uncovered compositional differences between the original and overpaint layers. Differences in the composition of the original smalt, a cobalt-containing blue pigment, suggest variations in pigment sources or processing methods. The overpaint, applied to conceal Europa’s figure, was found to contain a mixture of Prussian blue and Naples yellow, indicative of later interventions. The condition of these original areas is of a very high standard, further affirming the remarkable preservation of the underlying composition. These findings not only reconstruct the lost narrative but also raise important questions about the ethical presentation of fragmentary works, challenging traditional notions of completeness and artistic intent. This research highlights the value of interdisciplinary approaches in art historical and conservation studies, offering new perspectives on the evolution of paintings over time.