1. Resolution in a Gale by Willem van de Velde Junior. Royal Museums Greenwich Caird Collection object BHC3582.
T oughts on making realistic ensigns and fl ags by David Antscherl
For many years I assumed that fl ags and ensigns that looked translucent in old paintings were the result of ageing of the paint layer. T is phenomenon is well-
known to conservators. For instance, in this well- known painting, Resolution in a Gale, by Van de Velde the Younger, one can see through the ensign. (Figure 1) Many other period paintings also show this feature. Some pigment layers become more transparent over time and other pigments are known to be fugitive; that is to say, they fade on exposure to light. However, when I saw photographs of an historic fl ag auctioned in 2009 I realized that, because of its loose weave, it really was translucent. (Figure 2) I had to revise my
