25 JANUARY 1913, Page 10

The Technique of Painting. By Charles Moreau-Vauthier. (W. Heinemann. 10s.

6d. net.)—This is the translation of an interesting French book, which contains a great amount of experimental knowledge concerning the behaviour of various painting mediums and colours. The subject is still an obscure one, and the authorities contradict one another at times ; never- theless the present volume makes additions to the artist's technical knowledge. The author indicates that there is hope that a real advance has been made in varnish for pictures, the outcome of fresh experiments made with wax by a skilled picture restorer, M. Jehn. If all that is claimed for the new preparation proves true, an advance will undoubtedly have been effected. We are told that the materials are to be placed before the public.