De polychromie van gotische houtsculptuur in de zuidelijke Nederlanden

Published in 1982 by the Koninklijke Academie voor Wetenschappen, Letteren en Schone Kunsten van België (AWLSK), this academic study represents a foundational exploration into the materiality and artistic tradition of the Southern Netherlands. Erik Vandamme sought to demystify the original appearance of late medieval wooden sculptures, which were often stripped of their vibrant coatings over the centuries, by examining the chemical composition and application techniques of the polychromy used during that era.

The work was received as a significant contribution to the field of art history and conservation science. Vandamme meticulously documented the complex layered structures of pigments and binding media, providing scholars and restorers with a vital framework for understanding the craftsmanship behind the devotional art of the Low Countries. His approach bridged the gap between archival historical research and empirical laboratory analysis, establishing a benchmark for subsequent studies on the surface treatments of Gothic statuary.