- Identify the role of manganese in pigments like raw umber, burnt umber, manganese violet, and manganese blue.
- Differentiate between the spectral signatures of manganese and other elements (e.g., iron, barium)
- Pigments Checker Standard (raw umber, burnt umber)
- Pigments Checker Modern Art (manganese violet, manganese blue)
- XRF spectrometer with low-keV filter setup.
- Highlight the distinction between umber and sienna pigments based on manganese content.
- Examine umber pigments and their composition of manganese dioxide and iron oxide.
- Introduce manganese violet (manganese ammonium pyrophosphate)
- Analyze its spectrum to observe the dominance of manganese K Alpha line.
- Explore the composition of manganese blue (barium permanganate) and its historical use before discontinuation in the late 20th century.
- Use XRF analysis to distinguish between manganese and barium peaks in the spectrum, noting the reduced manganese signal relative to other 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
