Investigation on the Speckles Syndrome Affecting Late 1920s Oil Paintings by René Magritte

Abstract

Six early oil paintings by René Magritte from the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium are affected by networks of dark, speckle-like stains, referred to here as speckles syndrome. A serial approach appeared to be a useful way of elucidating the mechanism(s) and compound(s) responsible for the appearance of the speckles. Indeed, a comparative study of the appearance, painting materials and past environmental conditions, facilitated explorations into commonalities shared by these speckled artworks. Results suggest that a history of deleterious environmental conditions induced by long-term storage in a container, and the use of lead white based upper-paint layers containing ivory black may be contributory factors.