Focus on The Blue Room (Picasso) and explain the Technical analysis.
In 2017, a research report was published following a comprehensive technical study of the painting. The study used multiple methods, including the microanalysis of paint samples, reflectance imaging spectroscopy and synchrotron radiation x-ray fluorescence mapping to analyse the materials used and the structure of the paint layers. The investigation confirmed the existence of the hidden portrait beneath the surface layer and specifically, identified a red flower located on the white shirt of the man in the earlier portrait, which could be used to identify the subject.
A visual examination revealed that the existing painting was thinly painted over a heavier texture of underlying paint layers. Patches in areas of the painting reveal other colours that are visible beneath the surface. These pre-existing colours suggest that Picasso painted over the previous painting without applying an intermediate ground layer. The visible texture of hidden brushstrokes suggests that the original painting was finished and dry when Picasso painted over it. There was also a lack of varnish and dirt between the layers, which suggests that Picasso painted the second composition soon after the first, within the space of a few months.
Further analysis showed that Picasso employed a wide palette of vivid pigments in the composition, including vermilion, viridian, chrome yellow, and cadmium yellow. He used predominantly Prussian blue for the blue areas, mixed with zinc white to apply a variety of blue tones to the painting.
viridian chrome yellow vermilion ground cadmium yellow zinc white Prussian blue