X-rays unravel mysterious degradation of Van Gogh painting: Protective varnish caused discoloration

Synchrotron X-ray analysis has identified why parts of a Van Gogh painting changed color over time: a supposedly protective varnish applied after the master's death has made some bright yellow flowers turn to orange-grey. The origin is a degradation process at the interface between paint and varnish. After this discovery, conservators in many museums have to newly address the question of restoring Van Gogh paintings.

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