Did the Van Eycks use mixtures of Calcium Carbonate with their oil paint?
I have read that some Aragonite, which is a calcium carbonate powder, was found in some parts of the Van Eycks’ paintings. The source was on the internet. How accurate or complete this is I cannot say. But, there is much scientific evidence from several highly qualified sources ( included in my bibliography) that Rembrandt and Velazquez added calcium carbonate powder to their oil paint. Of the two, Velazquez used it the most, adding it to all his colors. Velazquez’ paintings are in remarkable condition, with translucence and brilliance of his colors, in addition to sumptuous textures of paint-.
