Examination by detail

Cross sections
A cross section is a minute sample taken from a painting which consists of material from the different paint layers. Analysis of such a sample can provide information on the materials used and on the artist's working methods.

This cross section from the green background behind the central figure is about 50 micrometers (.000050 m) thick. Under the microscope, five different layers can be seen.

1. the ground layer of chalk and animal glue;
2. a whitish isolation layer which sealed the highly absorbent ground;
3. small black particles, probably added to darken a first layer of green paint;
4. the green paint layer;
5. the varnish.

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