Applications of Non-Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Analysis to the Study of Works of Art

Abstract

The analytical techniques of emission spectrography, x-ray diffraction and spectrography as well as the more traditional methods of chemical microscopy and micro-chemistry have by now been fairly well adapted to museum research problems in the field of fine art and archaeology. The usually very small samples, 1 mgm or less, are obtained from the work of art after careful examination to ascertain the suitability of the site of sample removal, and very importantly, with great regard for the physical and aesthetic integrity of the whole. The term 'non-destructive' testing has indeed been loosely applied to this kind of analysis in that the very small samples removed did not appreciably disfigure the work of art. The samples were obtained often from concealed areas, near the edges, near areas of restoration, or from the edges of damaged portions. It would not be possible to survey in a statistical way, for example, pigment composition over the entire surface, when perhaps only 4 or 5 samples could be removed, and at best, from the edges of the work, and perhaps restricted to certain colour passages. To arrive at a precise definition of the structure of the work would require the removal of a larger number of representative samples from the surface, and extending to the interior as well.