Complementary use of X-ray based imaging and analytical methods in the investigation of miniature portraits

Hradilová, Janka; Hradil, David; Pech, Michal; Bezdička, Petr; Neděla, Vilém; Tihlaříková, Eva; Targowski, Piotr

doi:10.1016/j.microc.2019.104371

Cited by 9 publications

(4 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“… [8] The technique requires the use of a short monocapillary (135 mm). [110] For the first time, crystalline lead carboxylates were identified in miniatures, thanks to their characteristic diffraction lines in the low angle region. The very sharp appearance of peaks suggests that lead soaps are probably organised in a highly crystalline structure.…”

Section: How To Detect Metal Soapsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Garrappa et al., in a recent study, have used X‐ray powder micro‐diffraction (μ‐XRPD) to perform a completely non‐invasive study of crystal structure of pigments and degradation products in miniature portraits [8] . The technique requires the use of a short monocapillary (135 mm) [110] . For the first time, crystalline lead carboxylates were identified in miniatures, thanks to their characteristic diffraction lines in the low angle region.…”

Section: How To Detect Metal Soapsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Critical Review on the Analysis of Metal Soaps in Oil Paintings

et al. 2021

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Up to 70 % of the oil paintings conserved in collections present metal soaps, which result from the chemical reaction between metal ions present in the painted layers and free fatty acids from the lipidic binders. In recent decades, conservators and conservation scientists have been systematically identifying various and frequent conservation problems that can be linked to the formation of metal soaps. It is also increasingly recognized that metal soap formation may not compromise the integrity of paint so there is a need for careful assessment of the implications of metal soaps for conservation. This review aims to critically assess scientific literature related to commonly adopted analytical techniques for the analysis of metal soaps in oil paintings. A comparison of different analytical methods is provided, highlighting advantages associated with each, as well as limitations identified through the analysis of reference materials and applications to the analysis of samples from historical paintings.

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Section: How To Detect Metal Soapsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: How To Detect Metal Soapsmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Critical Review on the Analysis of Metal Soaps in Oil Paintings

et al. 2021

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“…Three miniature portraits , all dated to the beginning of the 19 th century and all painted in watercolour on ivory, were investigated 91 using macroXRF spectrometry, μ-XRD and SEM-EDS. The macroXRF spectrometry scanner allowed scans of large surface areas (up to 80 × 60 cm) to be made with an adjustable lateral resolution (650 to 50 μm) set by appropriate focusing of the excitation beam with polycapillary optics.…”

Section: Cultural Heritage Applicationsmentioning

confidence: 99%

2020 atomic spectrometry update – a review of advances in X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and its special applications

Vanhoof

Bacon

Fittschen

et al. 2020

J. Anal. At. Spectrom.

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“…Characterised by a minute and impeccable technique and a specific purpose, and offered as a personal gift or to demonstrate devotion, portrait miniatures were painted on a vellum support glued to a playing card, with pigments generally bound in gum Arabic [1]. Other substrates included copper in the 17th century [2][3][4] as well as ivory from the beginning of the 18th century [5][6][7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Non-Invasive Technical Investigation of English Portrait Miniatures Attributed to Nicholas Hilliard and Isaac Oliver

et al. 2021

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This study presents the results of the technical investigation carried out on several English portrait miniatures painted in the 16th and 17th century by Nicholas Hilliard and Isaac Oliver, two of the most famous limners working at the Tudor and Stuart courts. The 23 objects chosen for the analysis, spanning almost the entire career of the two artists, belong to the collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum (London) and the Fitzwilliam Museum (Cambridge). A non-invasive scientific methodology, comprising of stereo and optical microscopies, Raman microscopy, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, was required for the investigation of these small-scale and fragile objects. The palettes and working techniques of the two artists were characterised, focusing in particular on the examination of flesh tones, mouths, and eyes. These findings were also compared to the information written in the treatises on miniature painting circulating during the artists’ lifetime. By identifying the materials and techniques most widely employed by the two artists, this study provides information about similarities and differences in their working methods, which can help to understand their artistic practice as well as contribute to matters of attribution.

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Complementary use of X-ray based imaging and analytical methods in the investigation of miniature portraits

Cited by 9 publications

References 11 publications

A Critical Review on the Analysis of Metal Soaps in Oil Paintings

A Critical Review on the Analysis of Metal Soaps in Oil Paintings

2020 atomic spectrometry update – a review of advances in X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and its special applications

Non-Invasive Technical Investigation of English Portrait Miniatures Attributed to Nicholas Hilliard and Isaac Oliver

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