Non-destructive and non-invasive analyses shed light on the realization technique of ancient polychrome prints.
Five polychrome prints representing famous painters, such as Albrecht Dürer, were analyzed using a non-destructive and non-invasive methodology as required by the artwork typology. The diagnostic strategy includes X-ray fluorescence (XRF), reflectance micro-infrared (microFTIR) and micro-Raman (microRaman) spectroscopy. These prints were realized with a la poupée method that involves application of the polychrome inks on a single copper plate, before the printing process. A broad range of compounds (i.e., cinnabar, red lead, white lead, umber earth, hydrated calcium sulfate, calcium carbonate, amorphous carbon, and Prussian blue) was employed as chalcographic inks, using linseed oil as a binding medium. Gamboge was identified in the delicate finishing brush touches realized in watercolor.
Striová
Jana
J
LENS and Chemistry Dept., University of Florence, via Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy. jana@lens.unifi.it
Coccolini
Gabriele
G
Micheli
Sara
S
Lofrumento
Cristiana
C
Galeotti
Monica
M
Cagnini
Andrea
A
Castellucci
Emilio Mario
EM
D004396:Coloring Agents / Q000032:analysis*; D010151:Paintings; D013052:Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission / Q000379:methods*; D017550:Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared / Q000379:methods*; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman / Q000379:methods*
D004396:Coloring Agents