Academic thesis

Louisa Wittorf: Rik Wouters, An art-historical and material-technological research in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp Back
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Abstract: This Bachelor thesis thematises the Belgian artist Rik Wouters, who created most of
his paintings in the extremely short period of time between 1912 and 1915. The aim
of this thesis is to present this artist’s life and all the elements that influenced and
inspired him. Accompanied by a description of his change in style over the years
with two paintings in the main focus. Herfst from 1912 and Vrouw aan het venster
created in his last phase in 1915. Both paintings are being introduced and the
material-technological research results discussed. The different research methods
will be mentioned and further explained. These methods are the observation with
different lights, such as UV-light, different magnifications and the MA-XRF scanning.
The results of these research methods are supported by literature research to make
valid interpretations. These interpretations deal with the support of the paintings, the
preparation layers, the paint layers with the main focus on the pigments and the
application, and the topic of varnishing paintings. With the research results and
interpretation it was possible to give an overview on the used materials of the
paintings and the difference between them. Therefore, this thesis helps us
understand how the changes in the painter’s personal life led to a transition in
artistic style.

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Keywords: Rik Wouters, Belgium. Antwerp. Art History. Post-Impressionism. Brabant Fauvism. First World War. 20th Century. Paintings.
Table of contents: Introduction 9

I. CHAPTER: Rik Wouters 10
1 His career 10
2 Rik & Nel 14
3 Inspiration in other artists 16
4 Appreciation of his works over the years 20
II. CHAPTER: The Paintings 23
1. Phase: from the Academy towards independence (-1911) 23
2. Phase: full of productivity (1912-1914) 24
2.1 Herfst 26
3. Phase: towards the end (1915-) 27
3.1 Vrouw aan het venster 28
III: CHAPTER: The Material-Technological Research Methods 30
1 Observation 30
2 Different light effects 31
3 Microscope 31
4 UV-Reflection 32
5 IR-Photography 33
5 MA-XRF Scanning 33
IV. CHAPTER: The Material-Technological Research on “Herfst” 37
1 Stretcher 37
2 Canvas 38
3 Preparation 39
4 Paint layer(s) 44
4.1 Pigments 44
4.2 Binder 51
4.3 Application 52
4.4 Condition 53
5 Varnish 54
V. CHAPTER: The Material-Technological Research on “Vrouw
aan het venster” 55
1 Stretcher 55
2 Canvas 55
3 Preparation 55
4 Paint layers 56
4.1 Pigments 56
4.2 Binder 59
4.3 Application 59
4.4 Condition 60
5 Varnish 62
6 Palette 62

Summary 64

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