J.CAC VOLUME 27 (2002)
Une étude des matériaux et des techniques de Jean Dallaire
A retrospective exhibition of the works of Jean Dallaire organised by the Musée du Québec provided the opportunity to examine 129 works and analyse the materials of 25 of them (21 oils and four gouaches) executed between 1935 and 1962. Instrumental methods employed were scanning electron microscopy/X-ray spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and polarized light microscopy. Data obtained on the supports, grounds, and pigments are presented. Various supports were used by the artist: cardboard, canvas board, canvas (made of linen or cotton), particle board and plywood. The supports of all paintings examined as part of this study had a ground layer, either commercially-prepared or artist-applied. The artist’s technique frequently used superimposed, small brush strokes of paint. Dallaire, a master colourist, favoured the use of a rich and vibrant palette. Forty-five different pigments were identified in the 25 works analyzed, both organic (such as hansa yellows and hansa orange) and inorganic. The examination of a great number of works and the analysis of the materials helped to identify and explain certain conservation problems encountered with Dallaire’s works.
Download: JCAC27 Corbeil et al