Re-evaluating punchmarks on Early Italian Paintings

As part of the collaborative research project 'Re-evaluating on Punch Marks on Early Italian Paintings', Kyoko's research project aims to explore application of imaging techniques including 3D imaging for punch marks on gilded background of early Italian paintings. The use of different methods of imaging and technical analysis combined with art historical research promises to explore historical interactions between Italian schools in the 13-14th centuries, with a special focus on Florentine and Sienese schools. A comprehensive study of punch marks published by Erling S. Skaug in 1994 clearly showed a potential of the study of punch marks as a new approach to art historical research on early Italian panel paintings. This proposal would develop this approach, and enrich the 2D photographic and diagrammatic information collected by Skaug. As there is sparce mention of punching tools or shapes of punch marks used by artists in historical texts, the study of punch marks is crucial to advance our understanding of how the artists of the two schools could have exchanged materials, tools and techniques. In addition, 3D imaging techniques have great potential to provide more detailed information about punch marks which could make it possible to pinpoint punching tools or marks used by specific artists or studios. My research scope will also include evaluating advantages and limitations of the imaging techniques applied for the paintings.