Textur, Transparenz und Täuschung: Blaue Papiere in Pastellen und Schriftquellen des 18. Jahrhunderts*

Abstract Blue paper was probably the most common substrate onto which pastels were painted during the eighteenth century. Nevertheless, the associated implications have not yet been researched comprehensively. Based on case studies and contemporary source documents as well as in cooperation with conservators from international collections, this article argues for incorporating the supposedly invisible into art historical analyses. The aim is also to question both the categorisation of pastel painting as drawing and its assumed “sweet” aesthetics in order to open our eyes to the versatility of pastel painting. Through an art-theoretical discussion of underlying materials and the dissecting gaze, the article reflects on artificiality, illusionism, verisimilitude, and the subjectified view.