Materials applied in Bernardo Martorell’s painting analysed by portable XRF

Abstract

Bernardo Martorell was a leading artist of the 15th century in Catalonia . His panel painting the Ascension of the Virgin is one of the oldest in the collection of Fine Arts Museum of Seville. This is why it was chosen for the analysis among several other panels which form part of a bigger project between the Museum and the National Centre of Accelerators. The research work is dedicated to the characterization of materials applied in the Spanish paintings in the 15th and 16th centuries. The painting was studied by non-destructive techniques (UV light and a portable X-Ray fluorescence) to obtain information on materials applied and possible later interventions. The results showed that the original pigments applied are common for that period of time: lead white (Pb) yellow and red ochres (Fe), massicot, (Pb), umbra (Mn, Fe), vermillion (Hg), azurite (Cu) and a copper based green pigment (Cu). The thin layer of gold, confirmed by Au peaks, is applied over the surface, on top of a red bole layer. Some black areas over the gilded surface contain Ag. Retouches contain Ti, Zn, Cr and Cd that confirm the use of modern pigments, such as titanium-zinc white, chrome green or cadmium red.