Bildgrund

Bildgrund is a term used in painting and conservation to describe the preparatory layer applied to a support before the actual paint layer. The Bildgrund serves to improve adhesion, regulate porosity, and create a uniform surface or tone that influences how subsequent paint behaves and looks. It also helps protect the support from moisture and oil from the paint, contributing to the artwork’s longevity.

Traditionally, Bildgrunds consisted of a ground made from materials such as chalk or gypsum bound with animal glue (gesso or乔), often applied in several thin coats and sanded smooth. In modern practice, acrylic-based primers and polymer grounds are common, especially on canvas. Ground layers can be white, tinted, or colored to affect the tonal range of the final work. The choice of ground depends on the medium (oil, tempera, acrylic) and the desired surface texture, from very smooth to slightly textured.

There are several common types of Bildgrund. A white, opaque ground brightens colors and can prevent the paint from soaking into the support. A toned or gray ground can aid in mapping values during drawing and painting. Some artists also use preparatory sketches or underdrawings on the ground before applying color.

In conservation, the nature of the Bildgrund is important for dating, attribution, and restoration. Examining the ground layer can reveal historical techniques and prior restorations, and guides decisions about cleaning and stabilization.