Caracterização material e técnica das "Académias de Nu" de José Veloso Salgado, pertencentes à colecção da FBAUL

The aim of this study is the material and technical characterization of 12 academic nude paintings (male and female) made by José Veloso Salgado (1864-1945), between 1883 and 1893, at Lisboa and Paris (as foreign student), belonging to the FBAUL collection. Material and technical characterization provided knowledge on the original palette of Veloso Salgado and also a useful contribution for the conservation of these artworks Photographic record under visible and ultraviolet light, infrared reflectography, digital microscopy, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy analysis, allowed characterizing, in a non-destructive way, the painter’s palette and technique. By means of X-ray fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy techniques we were able to characterize preparation layer that were identical for all paintings, with a mixture of white lead and gypsum, ranging only by showing one or more layers. From the information obtained by means of infrared reflectography, it was possible to uncover underlayer drawing, retouches, regrets and previous restorations. Underlayer drawings were performed using graphite, which was identified by Raman analysis. Nevertheless, this study focused on two palettes: Lisbon and Paris. The author used yellow ochre in Lisbon and chrome yellow while his stay in Paris. Other pigments were characterized: white lead, vermilion, ultramarine, cerulean blue, hematite, raw umber and lamp black. Still, recurring from recent restoration, magnetite was also characterized as product of degradation of hematite. Finally, the FBAUL Virtual Museum intends to promote the dissemination of Painting, not only with identification of the artworks, but also deep knowledge on scientific matters – material and technical characterization, conservation and restoration, gathering Science and Ar