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Hans Baldung Grien (German, 1484/85-1545)
The Mass of Saint Gregory, 1511
Oil on panel, 89.2 x 125 cm
Gift of the Hanna Fund 1952.112
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Introduction
This painting, The Mass of Saint Gregory by Hans Baldung Grien, presents interesting conservation problems as well as insights into the working method of the artist. It was originally conceived as the central panel of a triptych (a painting with three parts).
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| Black and white photograph of complete triptych |
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In the 1950s the painting was transferred from its original wooden support to a masonite panel. Examination of the painting through infrared reflectography has revealed extensive use of underdrawing and indications of workshop practices.
The two side panels, originally wings of the altarpiece, are the most closely related works. Comparison of infrared images of all three paintings confirms that they belong together.
In addition, when the painting was acquired by the museum, the curtain on the right side of the painting was significantly more yellow and less green than the curtain on the left.
After close examination and analysis of these areas of the painting, including x-ray fluoresence, a determination was made that the pigments in each panel were similar and that the artist intended them to match more closely. After old varnish and retouches were removed, the decision was made to retouch this area so that it would more closely resemble its original appearance.
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The Mass of Saint Gregory
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