Aspects of Antonello da Messina's technique and working method in the 1470s: between italian and flemish tradition

The link between Antonello and Flemish painting continues to stir debate in art history literature. His presumed journey to Flanders is clamed by Vasari but not documented. After discussing historical and critical data, the essay reconsiders the still unsolved problem of Antonello\u2019s technique by presenting new findings emerging for the examination of some \u201ckey works\u201d of the artist, using infrared reflectography, infrared digital photography, X-radiography, macro and microphotography. It discusses findings regarding Antonello\u2019s underdrawing and painting method in order to distinguish the technical features that belong to the Italian tradition from those that the artist could have garnered from the study of Flemish works, or from his personal relationship with Flemish painters