Between Formula and Freestyle
Nicolai Abildgaard and 18th-Century Painting Technique
By (author) Troels Filtenborg
Paperback (Published)
(May 2014)
ISBN: 9781909492097
9.41 x 10.63 inches
Price: $90.00
In stock
This is the first in-depth technical study of Danish history painter Nicolai Abildgaard (1743-1809), examining his materials and methods from student works to late masterpieces. Drawing on recent research, it explores how his training in Copenhagen and Rome shaped a painting technique that blends academic structure with freer, alla prima approaches. While often unorthodox, Abildgaard’s methods reflect broader trends in 18th-century painting, offering valuable insight into the evolving practices of the period.
As the most important Danish history painter, Nicolai Abildgaard (1743-1809) worked in a century that saw marked shifts in the styles of painting, from the late Baroque via Rococo to Neoclassicism, as well as the emergence of art academies throughout Europe as the prevalent factor in the training of young artists. Abildgaard has been the subject of a number of studies through the years. Within this considerable body of research, however, little attention has been given to the technical, material aspect of his art. This book presents results of a paint technical study of his oeuvre, from early student paintings to mature works from his late years. As a result of the composite nature of his training in Copenhagen as well as in Rome in the 1760’s and 70’s, a number of factors in Abildgaard’s formative years were influential in shaping his painting methods and choice of materials. Defying a specific formula, his technique displays the coexistence of a stepwise, systematic approach, typical of academic painting, with a freer, more alla prima manner. However, in adopting a variety of interchanging methods, Abildgaard does not appear to be unique for his time. And though his practice may at times appear unorthodox and inconsistent, most of its separate components are found in works by his contemporaries, making his technique a reflection of different characteristic currents in eighteenth-century painting.
Preface Introduction Acknowledgements Chapter 1 Painting supports: fabrics
sizes and formats Chapter 2 Grounds Chapter 3 Underdrawings Chapter 4 Paint layers
pigments
signatures
varnishes Chapter 5 The Christiansborg series Chapter 6 The Terence paintings Bibliography Author and contributor,
Preface
Introduction
Acknowledgements
Chapter 1 Painting supports: fabrics; sizes and formats
Chapter 2 Grounds
Chapter 3 Underdrawings
Chapter 4 Paint layers; pigments; signatures; varnishes
Chapter 5 The Christiansborg series
Chapter 6 The Terence paintings
Bibliography
Author and contributor
- By (author) Troels Filtenborg
"This is a book that comprehensively covers a large amount of technical information, and allows great insight into one of Denmark's foremost eighteenth-century painters. The rich illustrations and wonderful layout of the volume complement Filtenborg's clear and informative prose and makes for a satisfying and easily comprehensible read. [...] This volume will be an extremely useful and enlightening addition to the conservator and technical art historian's library, and no doubt will be widely referenced, especially by those with an interest in the methods and materials of painting in the eighteenth century." The Picture Restorer - No.45, Autumn 2014
—
This is a book that comprehensively covers a large amount of technical information, and allows great insight into one of Denmark's foremost eighteenth-century painters. The rich illustrations and wonderful layout of the volume complement Filtenborg's clear and informative prose and makes for a satisfying and easily comprehensible read. [...] This volume will be an extremely useful and enlightening addition to the conservator and technical art historian's library, and no doubt will be widely referenced, especially by those with an interest in the methods and materials of painting in the eighteenth century.
—
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