- Understand how different pigments, such as vivianite, yellow ochre, red ochre, and Prussian blue, exhibit iron signals during analysis.
- Pure iron metal cube
- Filters for X-ray analysis (low-keV and routine filter setups)
- Pigment samples from Pigments Checker (vivianite, yellow ochre, red ochre, and Prussian blue)
- Begin the analysis with a pure iron metal cube to establish a baseline signal.
- Compare results using two filter setups: low-keV and routine filter.
- Vivianite:
- Introduce vivianite as a hydrated iron phosphate used in medieval wall paintings, especially in Northern Europe.
- Yellow Ochre:
- Describe yellow ochre as a hydrated iron oxide hydroxide and observe its spectrum, showing a lower iron peak due to the natural mixture of iron minerals with quartz, clay, and other impurities.
- Red Ochre:
- Explain red ochre as an iron oxide with similar characteristics to yellow ochre.
- Prussian Blue:
- Discuss the historical significance of Prussian blue as the first modern pigment, popular from 1724 onward and analyze its spectrum, showing an iron peak intentensity in the same range as ochre pigments.
To reinforce the concepts discussed here, we also provide a video lesson that visually walks through the key points of this topic. Watching the video alongside the text can help you better understand and apply these ideas in practice.
The course XRF Spectroscopy for Art Examination introduces conservators, art historians, and scientists with interest in Art to the principles and practical applications of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy in the examination of artworks. The course starts with basic principles of XRF and gradually explores its role in identifying materials and methods used in the creation and conservation of art.
Course Objectives
- Understand the fundamentals of XRF spectroscopy and how it applies to the analysis of art.
- Learn the key features and limitations of XRF for examining art and archaeology.
- Gain skills in interpreting XRF spectra to identify specific elements in paint layers, inks and metals.
Scientific Art Examination – Resources:
Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) – USA
The British Museum – Scientific Research Department – UK
Scientific Research Department – The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, USA
C2RMF (Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France) – France
Rijksmuseum – Science Department – Netherlands
