Investigation of speckle syndrome affecting late 1920s oil paintings by René Magritte

Six early oil paintings by Magritte from the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium are affected by networks of dark speckle-like stains, referred here as speckle syndrome. A systematic approach appeared to be a useful way to elucidate the mechanism(s) and the compound(s) responsible for the speckle appearance. Indeed, a comparative study of the visible symptoms, the painting materials and past environmental conditions, facilitated the discovery of the common denominators shared by speckled artworks and, consequently supporting conclusions about the origins of related degradation process .