An investigation into paintings from the Danish Golden Age has suggested that some Danish painters in the 19th century turned to brewing byproducts to prepare canvases. Researchers studying the paintings discovered traces of yeast and grains that could have only come from local breweries. The findings are published in the journal Science Advances.
The author of the study, Cecil Krarup Andersen, explained that the team had initially set out to search for glue made from animal materials, but instead found evidence that the painters had made use of brewing byproducts for their art. The discovery is believed to offer insight into the materials and resources available to artists in the 19th century, and sheds light on the creative ingenuity of the painters.
Cecil Krarup Andersen, the researcher behind the study, stated that their original objective was to identify animal-based adhesive, but they stumbled upon proof that the artists had utilized brewing leftovers in their paintings. This revelation is thought to provide a glimpse into the resources and materials accessible to artists during the 1800s, as well as showcase their imaginative resourcefulness.
The brewing byproducts, when turned into paste, would have been used to create a smooth surface on the canvases, acting as a prime layer that would prevent the paint from penetrating through.
This process would have been an effective substitute for gesso, which is more commonly used as a primer today.
The discovery provides valuable insight into the processes used during the Danish Golden Age by artists, highlighting the resourceful approach that was taken despite the limitations in materials and technology.
Understanding the substances used on the canvases could aid conservation efforts, claim the authors. The study specifically analyzed works created by two major painters of the time – Christoffer Wilhelm Eckersberg and Christen Schiellerup Kobke, who are both renowned as some of the pioneers of Danish painting.
The findings indicate that the two artists were resourceful, innovative, and willing to utilize alternative materials to produce their works. The discovery could inspire further research and offer new avenues to explore in the study of Norwegian and other Scandinavian art of the 19th century.
Cecil Krarup Andersen, the researcher behind the study, stated that their original objective was to identify animal-based adhesive, but they stumbled upon proof that the artists had utilized brewing leftovers in their paintings. This revelation is thought to provide a glimpse into the resources and materials accessible to artists during the 1800s, as well as showcase their imaginative resourcefulness.
Cecil Krarup Andersen, the researcher behind the study, stated that their original objective was to identify animal-based adhesive, but they stumbled upon proof that the artists had utilized brewing leftovers in their paintings.
This revelation is thought to provide a glimpse into the resources and materials accessible to artists during the 1800s, as well as showcase their imaginative resourcefulness.
During that period, beer was considered a valuable commodity and was even utilized as a form of payment for salaries. Therefore, it is unlikely that artists were actually pouring beer onto their works, as they could not afford to waste such a precious resource, according to Di Gianvincenzo. Instead, it is believed that the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, which provided canvases for artists, would purchase unused malt from nearby breweries.
Cecil Krarup Andersen, the researcher behind the study, stated that their original objective was to identify animal-based adhesive, but they stumbled upon proof that the artists had utilized brewing leftovers in their paintings.
This revelation is thought to provide a glimpse into the resources and materials accessible to artists during the 1800s, as well as showcase their imaginative resourcefulness.
Andersen stated that the study connects two aspects of Danish culture.
Andersen expressed that the research highlights two significant parts of Danish culture – beer and art. He further added that beer is often considered as a symbol of Denmark, while the paintings from that specific era carry immense historical significance in the narrative of the nation.
he Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group provides assistance to the Associated Press Health and Science Department. Nevertheless, the AP retains complete responsibility for the publication of all its content.