Art-technological research for the collection catalogue

In an interdisciplinary research project, all works by French painters from the 15th century to the end of the 18th century preserved in the Bavarian State Painting Collections are being examined and made accessible to the public in a comprehensive catalogue. Since 2019, art historians, conservators, scientists, museum and exhibition technicians and photographers have been working hand in hand to document and research the wealth of the collection.

In addition to the art-historical and collection-historical investigation, basic art-technological findings will be compiled for all works (approx. 390) and key data such as dimensions, material of the picture support and statements on format changes will be systematically recorded for the first time.

In addition, selected works are technologically examined in depth using the latest scientific methods. The results can help clarify questions of attribution or the version of the work, among other things. French painting developed very heterogeneously in its painting technique over the centuries. Thus, the punctual examination of individual works will throw light on the working methods of selected artists as well as on the use of specific materials. With the new insights gained in this project, research on painting technique in French painting will continue.

The publication of the collection catalogue is currently planned for 2025.