Take an Object

Take an Object

Come and see how we use replicas and technical examination to investigate the historical painting techniques employed in Guido Reni’s “Saint Catherine” and George Stubbs’ “The Nilgai”. These two paintings from William Hunter collections showcase our on-going research as part of the Take an Object exhibition at the Hunterian.

Collage of photographs illustrating the Technical Art History Group's contributions to the Take an Object exhibition at the Hunterian in 2019. The photographs show the painting of The Nilgai by George Stubbs, together with an Infrared image that shows that Stubbs used a black pigment to define the lines of the Nilgai (along the back, tail and legs) rather than as an under drawing on which to apply paint, and a cross-section taken from the left-hand side shows the paint layers used in the tree trunk.
The Nilgai, by George Stubbs (1724-1806), painting, oil on canvas, Hunterian Art Gallery, University of Glasgow. Infrared imaging shows us that Stubbs used a black pigment to define the lines of the Nilgai (along the back, tail and legs) rather than as an under drawing on which to apply paint. Cross-section taken from the left-hand side shows the paint layers used in the tree trunk.
Collage of photographs illustrating the Technical Art History Group's contributions to the Take an Object exhibition at the Hunterian in 2019. The photographs show the painting of Saint Catherine by Guido Reni, together with an x-ray image of the painting that reveals a hidden portrait of a woman, and a cross-section taken from the right-hand side shows the paint layers used to construct the drapery and the ground layer. (Sample photography courtesy of Jean Rowe)
Saint Catherine, by Guido Reni (1575-1642), painting, oil on canvas, Hunterian Art Gallery, University of Glasgow. X-radiography reveals a hidden portrait of a woman. Cross-section taken from the right-hand side shows the paint layers used to construct the drapery and the ground layer. (Sample photography courtesy of Jean Rowe)

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Visit

Take an Object is underway at the Hunterian Art Gallery in Glasgow from 1st August 2019 until 27 September 2019, and admission is free.

Please check the Hunterian Art Gallery for travel directions and opening times.