THE GOTHENBURG COLOURISTS - Analysis of selected works by Karin Parrow, Ivan Ivarsson and Ragnar Sandberg

Abstract: ABSTRACT Paintings from three selected Gothenburg colorists, Karin Parrow, Ivan Ivarsson and Ragnar Sandberg were analysed to gain insight into their use of colour. The Gothenburg colorists refers to a group of artists who were active in the Gothenburg area and west coast of Sweden, most of them had studied under Tor Bjurström (1888-1966) at the Valand Academy of art during the 20s. The eight selected artworks were investigated using X-ray fluorescence, Infrared false colour photography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Analysis results suggest that the artists overall used cadmium based yellows and reds, chromium based greens, ultramarine, Prussian and cobalt blues zinc and lead whites are predominant. Analysis also identified individual characteristics in the different artists' use of colour. In Ragnar Sandberg's Cyklister, indications of advanced photocatalytic degradation of cadmium yellow were observed.