Objectives
- Understand the historical emergence and application of nickel-based pigments.
- Explore the chemical composition and characteristics of Nickel Titanium Yellow and Nickel Azo Yellow.
Materials
- Pure nickel sample (metal cube).
- Pigment samples from Pigments Checker, Modern Art: Nickel Titanium Yellow and Nickel Azo Yellow.
- XRF spectroscopy equipment with routine and LK filter sets.
Lesson Plan
- Introduction to Nickel in Pigments
- Discuss the intentional use of nickel in pigments starting in 1954.
- Introduce Nickel Titanium Yellow as a replacement for Naples Yellow and Nickel Azo Yellow as a substitute for Indian Yellow.
- Chemical Composition and Properties
- Describe the composition of Nickel Titanium Yellow, emphasizing the presence of nickel, titanium, and antimony, and its impact on XRF signal intensity.
- Explain Nickel Azo Yellow’s composition, highlighting nickel as the primary heavy element responsible for its stronger XRF signal.
- Case Studies
- Use the Pigments Checker to analyze samples of Nickel Titanium Yellow and Nickel Azo Yellow.
- Compare the spectra, focusing on variations in peak intensity due to differences in composition.
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
