The Landscape Gouache

Abstract This article gives an overview over the development of gouache painting – from Flemish Waterverfschilderij, Lenten cloths (tüchlein paintings), miniature paintings, and landscape gouache in “heroic” and “rustic” styles to the landscape veduta of Alpine sceneries. The – often confusing – usage of the term gouache will be discussed and traced back in history, leading to a clear definition of our present-day conception. The findings are based on the study of art technological sources as well as observations of gouache paintings from a variety of different artists including Hans Bol, Marco Ricci, James Stuart, and Johann Ludwig Aberli. The author’s own experiences with gouache painting will also feed into the portrayal of a technique which in the past has often been disparaged and is underrepresented in the art technological research.