The riddle of the image : the secret science of medieval art

From monumental church mosaics to fresco wall-paintings, the medieval period produced some of the most impressive art in history. But how, in a world without the array of technology and access to materials that we now have, did artists produce such incredible works, often on an unbelievably large scale? In __The Riddle of the Image__, research scientist and art restorer Spike Bucklow discovers the actual materials and methods that lie behind the production of historical paintings. Examining the science of the tools and resources, as well as the techniques of medieval artists, Bucklow adds new layers to our understanding and appreciation of paintings in particular and medieval art more generally. He uses case studies—including __The Wilton Diptych__, one of the most popular paintings in the National Gallery in London and the altarpiece in front of which English monarchs were crowned for centuries—and analyses of these works, presenting previously unpublished technical details that shed new light on the mysteries of medieval artists. The first account to examine this subject in depth for a general audience, __The Riddle of the Image__ is a beautifully illustrated look at the production of medieval paintings. From Monumental Church Mosaics To Fresco Wall-paintings, The Medieval Period Produced Some Of The Most Impressive Art In History. But How, In A World Without The Array Of Technology And Access To Materials That We Now Have, Did Artists Produce Such Incredible Works, Often On An Unbelievably Large Scale? In The Riddle Of The Image, Research Scientist And Art Restorer Spike Bucklow Discovers The Actual Materials And Methods That Lie Behind The Production Of Historical Paintings. Lead White: Strange Matter -- The Metz Pontifical: Official Matter -- The Macclesfield Psalter: Personal Matter -- The Wilson Diptych: Heaven And Earth -- The Westminster Retable: Heaven And Earth, Part I -- The Thornham Parva Retable: Heaven And Earth, Part Ii. Spike Bucklow. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 285-290) And Index. Cover 1 The Riddle of the Image: The Secret Science of Medieval Art 5 Imprint Page 6 Contents 7 Preface 9 1. Lead White: Strange Matter 13 2. The Metz Pontifical: Official Matter 44 3. The Macclesfield Psalter: Personal Matter 75 4. The Wilton Diptych: Heaven and Earth 109 5. The Westminster Retable: Heaven on Earth, Part I 143 6. The Thornham Parva Retable: Heaven on Earth, Part II 202 Epilogue 242 References 251 Bibliography 287 Acknowledgements 293 Photo Acknowledgements 295 Index 297 The Riddle of the Image illuminates the production and restoration processes of medieval works of art, using popular examples from Museums and Galleries to highlight both well-known techniques and those thought to have been lost.