Skip to Main Content

 Admission is always freeOpen today: 10:00  to 5:00  Directions             Play Artle            

                  -  Visit                      - Visit
                    - Getting Here
                    - Accessibility
                    - Tours, Guides & Maps
                    - Food & Drink
                    - Gallery Shops
                    - Visitor Policies 
                  -  Collection                      - Collection
                    - Highlights
                    - Search the Collection
                    - Artists Search
                    - Acquisition Highlights
                    - Stories
                    - Games 
                  -  Exhibitions                      - Exhibitions
                    - Current
                    - Special Installations
                    - Upcoming
                    - On Tour
                    - Past 
                  -  Calendar                      - Calendar
                    - Films
                    - Performances
                    - Talks
                    - Guided Tours
                    - After Hours
                    - Fun for Kids
                    - Festivals
                    - Workshops 
                  -  Learn                      - Learn
                    - Teachers
                    - Families
                    - Teens
                    - Adults
                    - Learning Resources
                    - Music Programs
                    - Film Programs 
                  -  Conservation                      - Conservation
                    - Projects
                    - Publications
                    - Resources 
                  -  Research                      - Research
                    - The Center
                    - Publications
                    - Make an Appointment
                    - Archives
                    - Library
                    - NGA Online Editions 
                  -  Support                      - Support
                    - Donate Now
                    - National Membership
                    - Circle Membership
                    - Leadership Groups
                    - Planned Giving
                    - Major Giving
                    - Gifts of Art 
                  -  Shop                      - Shop
                    - Books
                    - Jewelry
                    - Apparel & Accessories
                    - Kids
                    - NGA Custom Prints 
                  -  Play Artle

Home>Underdrawings Revealed: Dutch Painters and their Artistic Process

# Underdrawings Revealed: Dutch Painters and Their Artistic Process

When executing their paintings, Dutch artists might rely on two basic types of underdrawings: those that are transferred from a drawing on paper to the wood or canvas support, and those that are drawn directly on that support. Infrared reflectography (IRR) can reveal the presence of an underdrawing made with black chalk on a white ground layer. (This examination technique does not work on underdrawings made with white or red chalk, so its application is limited.) Seven paintings are presented here with a tool that allows you to scroll back and forth between the layers of paint and the underdrawing made visible by IRR. The black outlines in these reflectograms represent the chalk underdrawing.

The exhibition*Drawings for Paintings in the Age of Rembrandt*is on view from October 4, 2016, to January 2, 2017.

Ambrosius BosschaertDutch, 1573–1621*Bouquet of Flowers in a Glass Vase, *1621oil on copperNational Gallery of Art, Washington, Patrons' Permanent Fund and New Century Fund, 1996

Pieter LastmanDutch, 1583–1633*David Gives Uriah a Letter for Joab*, 1619oil on panelThe Leiden Collection, New York

Pieter MolijnDutch, 1595–1661**Landscape with Open Gate**, c. 1630–1635oil on panelNational Gallery of Art, Washington, Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund and Gift of Arthur K. and Susan H. Wheelock, 1986

Pieter Jansz SaenredamDutch, 1597–1665*The Choir of the Saint Bavo in Haarlem*, 1636oil on panelFondation Custodia, Collection Frits Lugt, Paris

Pieter Jansz SaenredamDutch, 1597–1665*Cathedral of Saint John at 's-Hertogenbosch*, 1646oil on panelNational Gallery of Art, Washington, Samuel H. Kress Collection, 1961

Gerrit BerckheydeDutch, 1638–1698*The Grote or Saint Bavokerk in Haarlem*, 1666oil on panelOtto Naumann Ltd., New York

Jan van der HeydenDutch, 1637–1712*View Down a Dutch Canal*, c. 1670oil on panelNational Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of George M. and Linda H. Kaufman, 2012

### Stay connected

Learn more about our exhibitions, news, programs, and special offers.

About
          - About the National Gallery
          - Stories
          - Press
          - FAQs
          - Contact Us

Plan a Visit
          - Getting Here
          - Accessibility
          - Today's Tours
          - Food & Drink
          - Calendar
          - Downloadable Map

Get Involved
          - Donate
          - Membership
          - Volunteer
          - Opportunities
          - Shop Online

Resources
          - Search the Collection
          - Conservation
          - Library
          - Archives
          - The Center
          - Film Programs
          - Music Programs
          - Audio/Video
          - Open Access Images

Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily

**West Building**6th St and Constitution Ave NW*Enter or exit from Constitution Avenue, 4th Street, or 7th Street. The Madison Drive entrance is currently closed.*

**East Building**4th St and Constitution Ave NW*Enter and exit from 4th Street.*

**Sculpture Garden**7th St and Constitution Ave NW*Enter and exit from 7th Street, Constitution Avenue, or Madison Drive.*

We are closed on December 25 and January 1.

*The National Gallery of Art serves the nation by welcoming all people to explore and experience art, creativity, and our shared humanity.*

          -  Twitter 
          -  Facebook 
          -  Instagram 
          -  Pinterest 
          -  YouTube 

© 2024 National Gallery of Art   Notices   Terms of Use   Privacy Policy