Exploring Van Gogh’s Canvas: Impasto and Unique Surface Choices

Vincent van Gogh is renowned for his exceptional use of impasto, a technique that involves applying thick, textured layers of paint to the canvas. This method not only adds depth and vibrancy to his paintings but also tells us much about the materials he used and the unique surface choices he made.

The Prevalent Choice: Canvas

The most prevalent surface used by van Gogh was canvas. This was the standard choice for oil painting during his time, as the material provided a stable and breathable surface that could withstand the synthetic and physical application of paint. Typically, he stretched linen or cotton canvas, sometimes with a layer of gesso to create a smooth, even surface.

Impasto and Texture

VG was particularly famous for his use of impasto. He would apply his paint in thick, visible strokes that provided a tactile element to his art. While many of these characteristic paint texture strokes can be seen on the canvas, it’s essential to understand that van Gogh’s impasto was not just about visual effect; it was a practical choice influenced by his nomadic lifestyle and the need to ship his paintings safely.

Variety in Materials

While canvas was the primary surface, there are records that suggest van Gogh occasionally used wood panels, particularly for smaller works. In some instances, these panels were prepared at the time of purchase, whereas for others, small pieces of fabric with a thread count similar to canvas were used. These materials offer a different texture and treatment of paint, each contributing to the overall unique quality of his artwork.

Research and Discovery

The van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam conducted an extensive five-year project called the “Thread Count Automation Project.” This project revealed that van Gogh used a specific type of fabric called “Toile ordinaire,” which has a thread count of 12-13 by 17 threads per centimeter squared. This is a looser weave than the higher density 18 by 20 threads per cm squared used by many Parisian artists.

Van Gogh’s Canvas Preference

The choice of a looser weave canvas is influenced by van Gogh’s lifestyle and the need to transport his work. He often lived in cramped quarters and would periodically ship his paintings in crates, which required a robust canvas that could withstand the process.

Impacted Impasto

Due to the unique handling and shipping of his paintings, many of van Gogh’s works exhibit a condition called “impacted impasto.” This refers to the thick pigments that dried while the paintings were rolled up and shipped. Louis von Tilborgh, a curator of the van Gogh Museum, describes this condition as a result of the paintings being rolled up and shipped via narrow gauge trains, leading to crushed layers that increased in density over time.

To delve deeper into the van Gogh Museum’s findings and see more examples of these fascinating insights, you can visit the following link: