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Detail from the portrait 'Man in red', showing his capped head
Conserving the Man in Red

Examine one of the most enigmatic paintings in the Royal Collection

Infrared reflectography

Infrared reflectogram showing a garter omitted in the final painting©

Infrared reflectography was used to detect underdrawing beneath the paint. While the artist of this portrait remains unknown, the underdrawing could provide a clue to the authorship, technique and painting process. In several places the underdrawing diverges significantly from the final painting, for example two garters which were originally intended at the knees and were then completed in the paint layers were ultimately suppressed by the artist. Perhaps it was felt that the left one would have diminished the impact of the large tassel hanging from the dagger, which has been given great prominence. Alternatively, the removal of the garters may represent a change in fashion.


The income from your ticket contributes directly to The Royal Collection Trust, a registered charity. The aims of The Royal Collection Trust are the care and conservation of the Royal Collection, and the promotion of access and enjoyment through exhibitions, publications, loans and educational activities.