The jug was bought by the museum.
Scientists have taken around 60 samples from the painting.
The artist behind epic film projects came close to taking on German composer Karlheinz Stockhausen’s seven-part opera cycle Licht, with one opera devoted to each day of the week. But Barney decided against the project, concluding that he could not commit the two years it would require.
The painter said ill health had kept him away from his studio for two years.
The rural Ontario-based artist, whose solo show opens at Alison Jacques in London on November 20, turns landscapes into relief-like canvases.
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