An investigation of Saint Michael and the Dragon

Spanish artist, 15th century

Oil on panel

Accession number LL3424

Conservation staff have recently carried out a thorough investigation of this painting. Relatively little had been known about it beforehand. The original 15th century painting was not even visible, as it had been overpainted in the 19th or early 20th century.

How did we investigate the painting?

In order to establish the condition of the original paint layers the painting underwent a full technical examination, which included

• x-radiography
• infra-red reflectography
• pigment and medium analysis
• paint layer build-up using reflected and transmitted light microscopy.

These techniques help us see what is going on beneath the surface of the paint, including the original underdrawing, and tell us more about how the painting was made and what it is made of.

Unexpected discoveries

The investigation has revealed a great deal about the painting, including a rather unexpected way in which it was used. Read more about the findings using the links below.

In this section

• An investigation into 'St Michael and the Dragon'
• The history of the painting
• Construction of the panel - initial examination
• X-ray of the panel construction
• An unexpected former use of the painting
• 'Pietà' - another painting with a secret
• Arcading
• Overpainting
• Breastplate
• Pigments
• Summary of main findings
• What happens now?

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