Lareon, Laboratory for Restoration and Conservation Research, Prins Albertlaan 37/001, B-3800 Sint-Truiden, Belgium, lareon@scarlet.be.
Author: Dr. Nicholas, J. Blondeel

Abstract

Dendrochronology methods used in dating human artefacts in the art field are hampered by the presence of many variable and sometimes unknown factors. These lead to hypotheses and estimates of execution dates and tree ages, making the method less accurate. We set up a simple method to better qualify and quantify these factors. We conceived a simulation template. On this template, we localized exactly the saw of an oak specimen in a tree trunk. From this information, we could derive the number of missing tree-rings. It also led us to establish more precisely tree age, tree felling date, and execution date of an artefact. We used a portable digital microscope for very precise measurements of tree-ring widths. This tool could be used in situ or on photographic samples taken in situ. The results were sufficiently accurate to make several observations possible without complex computations or statistical analyses. The method is simple and reproducible in every lab. As study objects, we used a 16^th c. Flemish panel painting and 17^th c. Flemish furniture.

Keywords: dendrochronology, European oak, panels 16^th c., furniture 17^th c., methodology, simulation template

Click here to read the full article (PDF)