DIAGNOSTIC EXAMINATION
Crucifixion Drawing on paper
CRUCIFIXION _____________________________________________________________________________
TECHNICAL
REPORT
CONCERNING
DRAWING ON PAPER, SIZE 100X70 CM CUCIFIXION WITH SIGNATURE FRANCIS BACON IN ATTACHMENT DOCUMENTS OF EXAMINATION.
Diagnostic Examination
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CRUCIFIXION _____________________________________________________________________________
INTRODUCTION: The drawing was examined with the following methods: _ Ultraviolet fluorescence _ Infrared reflectography _ Photographic shooting with raking light
This examination intends to characterize the techniques of execution, the materials used and the preservation condition of the artwork (Picture 1).
Diagnostic Examination
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CRUCIFIXION _____________________________________________________________________________
VISIBLE LIGHT
Picture 1 - general view of the artwork
Diagnostic Examination
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CRUCIFIXION _____________________________________________________________________________
Shooting with raking light points out the deformation of the support, made of one single sheet of rough paper. In the upper right corner and lower left corner there are two embossments on dry paper identifying the brand and the type of sheet: it is Fabriano paper, FA4 type, produced by Fabriano Company since 1973. It is a type of paper traditionally used for technical drawing, that can absorb inks and is particularly resistant to erasures and abrasions. Shooting with raking light points out paper denting and folding, mainly in the lower area of the work (Picture 2).
PHOTOGRAPHY WITH RAKING LIGHT
Picture 2 - general view of the artwork
Diagnostic Examination
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CRUCIFIXION _____________________________________________________________________________
Infrared reflectography points out the drawing lines, since they contain charcoal material that is significantly opaque to infrared (Picture 3).
INFRARED REFLECTOGRAPHY
Picture 3 - drawing lines opaque to infrared
Diagnostic Examination
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CRUCIFIXION _____________________________________________________________________________
From a technical point of view, the drawing was jotted down a first time in a very quick and “imprecise� way and was partially erased. Of the original drawing, only some lines are left that can be easily read with the infrared and ultraviolet light. The subject of the first drawing is similar to the final one, even if its legs are longer and its head bigger. Erasing was made in a perfunctory way, to the extent that one may assume that it was something done on purpose to give the image a visual effect of movement. Erasures locally removed dirt and graphite dust, thus leaving some lighter areas on the paper surface. With ultraviolet fluorescence one can identify the lighter areas which were erased (pictures 4 and 5).
ULTRAVIOLET FLUORESCENCE
Picture 4- drawing of the face
Diagnostic Examination
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CRUCIFIXION _____________________________________________________________________________
ULTRAVIOLET FLUORESCENCE
Picture 5 - general view of the artwork
Diagnostic Examination
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CRUCIFIXION _____________________________________________________________________________
Lines have a different thickness: For thicker lines, a softer material and richer in graphite was used to the extent that with the infrared light it looks particularly dark. The drawing is executed by hand and with the help of technical drawing instruments. In particular, one ruler, two ellipse templates and one French curve. Ellipses around the eyes, perfectly overlapping, are made with a template with an axis ratio of 1:2, size 25x50 mm. Other ellipses may be found above the head (size 54x36 mm) and in the feet (size 20.5x13.5) (Picture 6).
VISIBLE LIGHT
Picture 6 - ellipse above the head
Diagnostic Examination
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CRUCIFIXION _____________________________________________________________________________
Other parts of the drawing follow the typical curve template close to the ear and the chin (Picture 7-8).
INFRARED REFLECTOGRAPHY
Picture 7-8 - parts of drawing by French curve
Diagnostic Examination
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CRUCIFIXION _____________________________________________________________________________
The paper surface, along the left edge, shows a mark that is probably an eraser print. The print is due to graphite dirt on the instrument. In the print, the brand Staedtler is identifiable with small heads showing the sketched profile of God Mars (Picture 9).
VISIBLE LIGHT
Picture 9 - print on the paper
Diagnostic Examination
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CRUCIFIXION _____________________________________________________________________________
Overall, the drawing is made with great confidence and rapidity, showing overlapping, traced and reinforced lines. Its signature is perfectly integrated in the artwork on all wavelengths used during the examination. Therefore, it was written when the drawing was executed. As for preservation, aside the folding marks due to its handling, there are no signs of damage or painting restoration: The artwork is in excellent preservation conditions.
Campogalliano, 17th May 2016 Davide Bussolari
Diagnostic Examination
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