Turning oil paint into gold: Petrus Christus, A Goldsmith in his Shop

A conversation with Dr. Steven Zucker and Dr. Beth Harris in front of Petrus Christus, A Goldsmith in his Shop, 1449, oil on oak panel, 100.1 x 85.8 cm (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)

[@marqbarq5977]

The level of detail in the fabric. It almost feels like it pops off the canvas and catches the light in the room the painting is in.

[@christophers_verified]

One can almost FEEL the contrasting textures of the velvet versus the gold brocade ...and the reflections of the city in the pewter vessels! Wow. I'm not sure I would have noticed half of this without your presentation.

[@richsw]

What an incredibly interesting video. One of Smarthistory's best! Thank you.

[@martijnkeisers5900]

Another great video!
I'm looking forward every time.
Thank you guys for all the wonderful works of art you highlight!
Greetings from Amsterdam.

[@nyarlantothep9555]

exceptional presentation, as always. thank for your enlightening our minds and hearts with these videos

[@marthavillegas6250]

Beautiful paint, it leaves you breathless with all the people, objects, details. As always thank you for this video. 💙

[@smarthistory-art-history]

Our pleasure 😊

[@kev8346]

Another fabulous video! Thank you Drs!

[@johannahidalgo7738]

Beautiful!!!!!!!! Loved the analysis!!!😉😻👍

[@smarthistory-art-history]

Thank you!! 😁

[@Scriptadiaboly]

Fascinating!

[@cuatesanz5611]

Great video 👍

[@smarthistory-art-history]

Thanks 👍

[@doncarlodivargas5497]

The woman touch the goldsmith and the man touch the woman?
Really? I was not aware they were so relaxed and intimate in that time, surprising

[@Sasha0927]

Walls of silk? I didn't know that was a thing.
The gold velvet is lovely - I always love seeing those soft, plush fabrics. Her... headdress is very intriguing to me too.
Porphyry = decorative granites or igneous rocks - TIL.
Again, I'm curious about these under-drawings. How are they analyzed if they're painted over?

[@FortressmasoN]

Hi! Great video as always :D
Could I ask how would art historians be able to tell that the halo was added much later?

[@smarthistory-art-history]

That is a good question, but one with a complex answer. Let me say quickly that adding haloes was a thing. In fact, altering artworks is quite common over the hundreds of years since they were produced as styles change. People like to update the things they own, much like someone might renovate a kitchen. Here is a place to get started:
Maryan W. Ainsworth, "Intentional Alterations of Early Netherlandish Paintings," The Metropolitan Museum Journal, vol 40 (2005) www.metmuseum.org/art/metpublications/Intentional_Alterations_of_Early_Netherlandish_Paintings_The_Metropolitan_Museum_Journal_v_40_2005

[@smarthistory-art-history]

Great question - this may help: www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/neth/hd_neth.htm

[@Scriptadiaboly]

X-ray?