- Understand the spectral characteristics of vermilion, including its L Alpha, L Beta, and L Gamma lines.
- Recognize the role of lead in pigment layering and ground preparations.
- Reference materials with pure vermilion from Pigments Checker STANDARD.
- Introduction to Vermilion: Discuss its historical significance and chemical composition (mercury sulfide). Highlight its transition from a primary pigment to being replaced by cadmium red.
- Spectral Analysis: Examine the XRF spectrum of vermilion, focusing on the L Alpha, L Beta, and L Gamma lines.
- Practical Application: Analyze XRF spectra from artwork samples, such as a painting with red drapery, to confirm the presence of vermilion. Compare these results with spectra of pure vermilion.
- Lead Identification: Identify lead peaks in the spectra, often associated with lead white in ground preparations or mixed 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
