KIK-IRPA's Paint Sample Collection
Type Collection
Date of creation of the archive
- 1940
Date of closure of the archive
- N/A
Creator(s) of the archive
- Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage
Summary Description
- Paint samples collection with samples, scrapings, cross sections and thin sections, taken from the pictorial layers of paintings, mural paintings, interior decoration and polychromed objects in the context of scientific studies and conservation/restoration treatments at KIK-IRPA.
Extent
- Type and number of units
- 40 000
Object type
- Cross-section
Easel painting
Mural painting
Painting
Samples
Sculpture
Thin-section
Material type
- Paint
Geographic Distribution
- Mainly Belgium
Statement of Significance
- Since its creation in 1948, KIK-IRPA has become a prestigious research institute with a strong focus on (but not limited to) the rich Belgian cultural heritage, in Belgian or abroad. This sample collection encompasses a broad inventory of paint samples from the many art objects that have been treated or studied by the institute. Although these samples were already contributing greatly to the preservation and understanding of the art objects at the time, and many of the analysis results obtained on these samples are still available in the intervention files, these samples still have an extremely high value for new research with contemporary methods.
Accessibility
- Yes - upon request
Access requirements
- Physical access and terms are decided on a case-by-case basis, based on scientific interest and risks for the sample. In principle, samples will not be loaned.
Type of users
- Researchers
Keywords
- Archaeology
Architecture
Conservation Science
Restoration
Treatment
Finding aids
- N/A