Analysis of pigments from Spanish works of art using a portable EDXRF spectrometer

Abstract

AbstractNowadays there is an intensive program for the conservation, restoration and analysis of the impressive and extensive Spanish cultural heritage. In the last few years, the Unidad de Arqueometria of the ICMUV has carry out a great quantity of in situ EDXRF analysis of pigments on materials of historic and cultural interest (altarpieces, frescoes, canvas, sculptures, etc.) from museums and churches of the whole of the Spanish geography. Here we present a few examples of the analysis of works of art using x‐ray fluorescence spectrometry with a portable system based on x‐ray tubes and a non‐cryogenic Si‐PIN detector. EDXRF qualitative and non‐destructive analyses of stone, pigments and preparation layer of a polychrome sculpture from the Iberian period are compared with results obtained with destructive analytical techniques. The identification of inorganic key elements in a mural painting from the 14th and 15th centuries allowed the characterization of the pigments and techniques used by the artists and were a great help in the restoration process. The EDXRF analysis of a partially burnt medieval altarpiece allowed us to establish the elemental composition of the pigments from damaged and non‐damaged areas. Finally, we present part of the systematic EDXRF analysis of the pigments on canvas from the work of Joaquín Sorolla with the objective of constructing a wide database on their pictorial materials. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.