Page "Saponification" Paragraph 16

Saponification in oil paintings was first described in 1997.

It is believed to be widespread, having been observed in many works dating from the fifteenth through the twentieth centuries, works of different geographic origin, and works painted on various supports, such as canvas, paper, wood, and copper.

Chemical analysis may reveal saponification occurring in a painting ’ s deeper layers before any signs are visible on the surface, even in paintings centuries old.