This combined study of Chardin's painting materials and techniques was conducted by The Cleveland Museum of Art and the Research Laboratory of the Museums of France with assistance from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the National Gallery of Art, Washington, and work presented in conjunction with the 1979 exhibition Chardin, 1699-1779. Descriptions of the supports, pigments, and painting procedures used by Chardin are included. Chardin often replicated his own paintings. X-radiography and infrared studies help distinguish the originals from replicas or endorsed copies.