Facsimile of Jan Gossaert's The Adoration of the Kings

2021-2022

Facebook Twitter

The final facsimile of The Adoration of Kings by Jan Gossaert © Oak Taylor Smith for Factum Arte

The Adoration of the Kings painted between about 1510 and 1515 by Jan Gossaert (also known as Jean Gossart), within the collection of the National Gallery in London, was recently the subject of an in-depth study. Accurate recordings revealed the complexity behind this large (179.8 × 163.2 cm) 16th-century altarpiece, depicting the Three Wise Kings (Balthasar, Caspar and Melchior) visiting the newborn Christ.

After recording the painting in high resolution using their Lucida 3D Scanner and colour photography, the National Gallery requested Factum Arte to produce a perfect facsimile to be displayed within the exhibition Sensing the Unseen: Step into Gossaert’s ‘Adoration’ inside the Winchester Cathedral (January 22 - April 3, 2022). 

The surface data was 3D printed using elevated printing technology, moulded in silicone and cast as a thin surface layer of gesso. After printing the colour on the skin using Factum's custom inkjet printer, the surface was then glued to a polyurethane base, using a vacuum bag to ensure perfect adherence. The end result was then retouched by hand and varnished. The edges of the base were painted to resemble the original oak panel. 

Juan Carlos Arias retouching the 3D surface of the elevated print © Oak Taylor Smith for Factum Arte

Rafa Rachewsky checking the registration of the colour over the surface, using a print over acetate sheet © Oak Taylor Smith for Factum Arte

Rafa Rachewsky and Amanda Blazquez checking the registration of the colour over the surface © Oak Taylor Smith for Factum Arte

Factum Arte's custom inkjet printer applying the colour over the 3D surface in sections © Oak Taylor Smith for Factum Arte

Detail of the printing process © Oak Taylor Smith for Factum Arte

Detail of the finished facsimile © Oak Taylor Smith for Factum Arte

Detail of the finished facsimile © Oak Taylor Smith for Factum Arte

Detail of the finished facsimile © Oak Taylor Smith for Factum Arte

Detail of the finished facsimile © Oak Taylor Smith for Factum Arte

Facsimile installed in Winchester Cathedral © Winchester Cathedral

Facsimile installed in Winchester Cathedral © Winchester Cathedral

Facsimile installed in Winchester Cathedral © Winchester Cathedral

Facsimile installed in Winchester Cathedral © Winchester Cathedral


 

We use our own cookies and third-party cookies to improve our services by analysing your browsing habits.
You can accept cookies by clicking on the "Accept" button or configure them or reject their use by clicking HERE.
ACCEPT     REJECT