Jeroen Dik is a leading Dutch scientist whose research has significantly transformed the fields of art history and conservation. As a professor at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Dik operates at the intersection of high-energy physics and the study of Golden Age artworks. His career is distinguished by the development of non-invasive imaging techniques that enable researchers to examine the underlying layers of renowned paintings without inflicting physical harm.
The Macro-XRF Revolution
Dik is widely recognized for his pioneering application of Macro-X-ray Fluorescence (MA-XRF) scanning. MA-XRF functions by generating a chemical map of a painting, detecting and quantifying specific elements present in the paint layers, such as mercury in vermilion or antimony in Naples yellow. By systematically scanning the artwork, Dik and his team construct detailed maps that reveal the distribution of these elements. This approach enables the visualization of subsurface features, including hidden sketches, artist modifications, and even entirely different compositions beneath the visible surface.
Breakthrough Discoveries
Among Dik’s most notable contributions is his analysis of Vincent van Gogh’s Patch of Grass. Utilizing synchrotron radiation, a highly intense form of X-ray generated by accelerating electrons, Dik revealed a vivid portrait of a peasant woman concealed beneath the landscape. This finding offered significant insight into Van Gogh’s creative process and his practice of reusing canvases due to financial limitations.
In addition to his work on Van Gogh, Dik has applied his expertise to the paintings of Johannes Vermeer and Rembrandt van Rijn. He played a central role in the “Girl with a Pearl Earring” research project, employing advanced imaging techniques to examine the microscopic structure of the paint and the artist’s layering methods. His involvement in the analysis of Rembrandt’s The Night Watch, as part of “Operation Night Watch,” has further advanced the capabilities of large-scale art examination.
Interdisciplinary Impact
The impact of Jeroen Dik’s research extends beyond the identification of concealed artworks. His methodologies have introduced greater empirical rigor to the humanities. For example, Dik’s application of Macro-XRF scanning during the restoration of Rembrandt’s The Night Watch enabled conservators to identify previous retouching and accurately reconstruct missing sections. In another case, his analysis of a disputed Vermeer painting supplied critical evidence regarding the authenticity of pigments and techniques, thereby resolving a longstanding debate among art historians. By establishing a chemical fingerprint of an artist’s palette, his research supports authentication of disputed works, informs restoration practices, and aids historians in reconstructing trade routes and material availability in the seventeenth century.
As Chair of Materials in Art and Archaeology, Dik continues to bridge the gap between scientific research and museum practice. His legacy is characterized by transparency, employing advanced technologies to reveal the material history of human creativity and to ensure its preservation and comprehensive understanding.
