‘Breaking Waves’. The Relation Between Zinc-Oxide Degradation and Extreme Delamination from the Panel Support of Beach Scene, by J.E.H. Akkeringa (1861-1942)

Abstract

The early twentieth century oil painting Beach Scene had severe delamination problems. The painting consisted of an oak panel primed with three white, oil-based ground layers with several oil paint layers on top. The reverse of the panel was varnished. The delamination occurred at the interface between the first ground layer and the panel. A brownish, semi-translucent zone was visible at the bottom of the first preparation layer. Material analyses with SEM-EDX, FTIR-ATR and THM-Py-GC/MS offered insight into the materials present and their degree of deterioration. The brownish zone was explained as dissolution of the zinc white pigment by (fatty) acids from the panel and the oil binder. It was hypothesised that the glazed framing system of the painting restricted natural expansion and contraction of the tangentially cut panel in fluctuating climate. Compression shrinkage then caused tenting of the paint film. This study improved our understanding of Akkeringa’s painting technique and the current condition of the painting. The study also provided support for future decisions on treatment and preventive conservation measures not only for Beach Scene, but also for Akkeringa’s other works on panel.