Abstract
Metal soap formation in paintings has been implicated in a serious deterioration phenomenon. The present study documents zinc soap aggregates observed in a late 19th century painting by R. Godfrey Rivers. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis of paint cross-sections are used to describe the appearance and elemental composition of affected paint layers. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) is used to confirm the presence of zinc carboxylates and static secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) results are given for one sample. Scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive X-ray (SEMEDX) maps and spot analyses are used to examine aggregates in detail. In addition to zinc, carbon and oxygen, magnesium is frequently present. Paint composition and environment are discussed in terms of their potential to influence soap formation.
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