The description of craquelure patterns

The textural qualities of craquelure have been identified as significant by connoisseurs. The superficially random nature of craquelure has ensured that exact knowledge of its significance has only been acquired experientially. This paper proposes a systematic approach to the formal description of the phenomenon. The approach involves a comparative method which is validated using statistical and classification techniques. The result of the experiment is a small set of descriptive terms and general statements about their association with artists' materials and the methods of construction of paintings. The results are proposed as a potential non-invasive method of technical examination. They are also presented in the context of a perceived need within the conservation profession to develop detailed and specific descriptions of technical images.