Conservator studying one of the Trinity Panels

The Trinity Panels by Hugo van der Goes

Move to new location at Scottish National Gallery provides opportunity for study

Alterations to the painting

      Infrared detail of Queen Margaret's head, highlighting areas of change
      Detail of the head of Queen Margaret, highlighting areas of changeCopyright: Royal Collection Enterprises Limited

      Inspection reveals a number of alterations and reworkings have been made to the painting.

      The queen’s face was shifted slightly during painting to a more three-quarter view; the change in the position of her eyes is clear in the infra-red reflectogram. Alterations to her profile can be seen where the paint of the green damask curtain follows a different contour to the drawn line.

      Infrared details of Edward Bonkill's head, showing repositioning of the head
      Infrared shows how Edward Bonkill's head has been repositionedCopyright: Royal Collection Enterprises Limited

      Edward Bonkil was initially painted lower down and possibly more in profile. The underdrawn eye and eyebrow can be seen just to the right of his nose. The first position of the crown of his head can just be made out with a few diagonal lines of hatching below, whilst the dark shapes at his neck are areas of damage with overpaint that must contain carbon black.

      Infrared showing the hands pressed together
      Bonkil's hands were originally drawn with just the fingertips touching but painted with the palms pressed together as wellCopyright: Royal Collection Enterprises Limited
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