Paneelimaalaukset

Paneelimaalaukset are paintings executed on wooden panels, a common support for European art in the medieval and early modern periods. They are distinguished from frescoes and canvases by their wooden surface and often by the use of detailed, precise painting techniques. Many paneelimaalaukset were religious in subject and served as altarpieces, devotional panels, or legible records of narratives within churches and private chapels.

Wood for panes varied by region and availability, with poplar, oak, and lime being common choices. Panels were prepared by joining boards, planing the surface smooth, and applying several coats of gesso (a ground made from chalk and glue) to create a bright, stiff ground. Paint was typically applied with tempera (pigments bound with egg yolk) in earlier works, with oil becoming more common in later centuries in some areas. Gold leaf or gold paint was frequently used for halos and backgrounds, enhancing luminosity.

Panel paintings often appeared in multi-panel formats such as diptychs, triptychs, or polyptychs, enabling a sequence of scenes or a centralized icon within a cohesive ensemble. Artists used underdrawings, usually with charcoal, to plan composition before applying color. The wood grain and panel size influenced the composition, while varnishes protected the painted surface.

With the rise of oil on canvas and changes in patronage and religious practice, the production of paneelimaalaukset declined, though many survive in churches and museums. They are valued for their finely layered paint, preserved ground layers, and as key sources for understanding medieval and early modern art, technique, and iconography. Conservation efforts emphasize controlling humidity, temperature, and light to prevent warping, cracking, and varnish deterioration.