Crucifixion of Christ - Naples 17th century

Old oil on canvas painting representing the Crucifixion of Christ.

The induced fluorescence highlights the presence of numerous micro and macro gaps, probably filled in during a restoration.

Placed all over the surface of the painting, they are easily recognizable because they appear as areas with irregular contours or lines, both characterized by a very dark color.

 The same technique, moreover, detects certain details that are not clearly distinguishable in the visible, such as the cloak of the Virgin and the face of the Magdalene.

The latter, in particular, appears more masculine than the visible image, the shape of the face appears thinner, the hair seems to fall on the shoulders in a more defined and clearer way and also the neck, for a play of shadows, seems to show itself thinner.

The XRF analysis allowed us to recognize the chemical elements used in the pictorial palette and in the underlying layers.

All chemical elements determined refer to pigments relevant to the historical period of attribution of the painting (lead-based pigments such as ceruse, litharge, red lead), iron-based pigments (ochre) and mercury-based pigments (cinnabar / vermilion).

Conditions: Excellent condition.
Dimensions: 77x103 cm.
Provenance: Naples XVII century.