Abstract

Radiogenic lead and strontium isotope data are presented for lead‐ and calcium carbonate/barium sulphate‐containing paint and ground samples from 15 paintings, executed between 1844 and 1871, by 19th‐century Canadian artist Cornelius Krieghoff. Like many artists of this era, Krieghoff used lead‐based pigments such as lead white, chrome yellow and Naples yellow, and extenders such as calcium carbonate and barium sulphate. The lead isotope analyses of the majority of these pigments are consistent with the isotopic compositions of lead mined from European lead deposits in England and/or Germany. However, three samples from Krieghoff's early career yield lead isotope compositions that are much more radiogenic than European sources. The lead isotope compositions of these three samples are consistent with the addition of a more radiogenic lead component that is similar to the lead derived from North American lead deposits in Missouri and Illinois (Mississippi Valley Pb–Zn type deposits). The strontium isotope compositions of the extenders suggest that the raw materials for calcium carbonate or barium sulphate extenders were largely derived from Palaeozoic to modern‐day marine environments. This study shows that pigments manufactured from North American lead were being incorporated into Canadian paintings as early as 1844.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.