Janet Laurence’s The matter of the masters is inspired by conservation research and analysis undertaken on Dutch old master paintings in the Rijksmuseum in the Netherlands, especially works by Rembrandt.
Laurence explores the ‘physiology of a painting’ in her modular vitrine and haunting images derived from botanical illustrations and x-ray fluroescence scans. She has sourced from natural history collections raw pigments and binders commonly found in paintings and presents these substances like scientific experiments or specimens in a ‘cabinet of curiosity’. In providing an artistic interpretation of the palette of Rembrandt and other Dutch masters, Laurence stresses that all matter stems from the environment and that nature and culture are deeply entwined. Read More
