Application of red paint data library for the characterization of the manuscript from Grand Duchy of Lithuania

Abstract

The data library collected investigating reconstructed red paints was successfully applied for the characterization for the first time of historical illuminated and rubricated manuscripts printed in the territory of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Two different red pigments (cinnabar and red lead) and three different binding media (fish glue, parchment glue, and gum Arabic) were identified in the manuscripts using SEM/EDX, FTIR, XRD and TG/DTG analysis methods. It is interesting to note, that according to the SEM/EDX results the red paints determined in the manuscripts were sufficiently pure without a large amount of impurities. The binding media in the original samples were easily identified using developed FTIR spectra of red paint with different binding media. The TG analysis showed that all TG curves of original samples were shifted toward the lower temperatures range. Finally, this work once again demonstrated the importance of using several analysis methods for the characterization of cultural heritage materials.