Investigation of color layers of Bohemian panel paintings by confocal micro-XRF analysis

Abstract

Confocal micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (confocal micro-XRF) has recently become a significant instrumental method for analyses of cultural heritage as it provides depth-resolved information on elemental distribution of the investigated samples. This work describes results of confocal micro-XRF analyses of paint layers of two Bohemian panel paintings from the half of the 15th century that are part of the collections of the National Gallery in Prague. All the measurements were performed using a table top confocal micro-XRF setup designed at the Czech Technical University in Prague. A depth-profiling was used for investigation of red and blue paint layers in order to compare the composition and structure of the used pigments. Obtained results were compared with findings from the material survey on the sample taken from the painting Assumpta from Deštná (ca 1450, inv. no. O 724) to verify their origin in the same workshop. Confocal micro-XRF provides satisfactory data to specify the art workshop.