Objectives
- Understand the chemical properties and significance of phosphorus (atomic number 15) in art materials.
- Learn to interpret XRF spectra, particularly in identifying phosphorus in different substances.
Materials
- Sample materials: monopotassium phosphate, guitar nut (bone), bone black pigment, vine black pigments from PIGMENTS CHECKER
Lesson Plan 1. Introduction to Phosphorus and Its Role in Art Materials
- Highlight the significance of phosphorus in materials like bone and its applications in art and pigments.
- Discuss the K alpha line of phosphorus at 2 keV and its relevance to XRF analysis.
- Use an online calculator to determine the transmission of 2 keV X-rays through 10 mm of air at normal pressure.
- Analyze the results, focusing on the detection feasibility of phosphorus under these conditions.
- Examine the XRF spectrum of monopotassium phosphate, noting the strong phosphorus peak at 2 keV.
- Discuss why this material is ideal for detecting phosphorus due to its composition.
- Analyze the spectrum of the guitar nut and compare its phosphorus peak to that of monopotassium phosphate.
- Analyze the XRF spectra of bone black and vine black pigments.
- Highlight the presence of phosphorus in bone black and its absence in vine black.
- Discuss the significance of this distinction in identifying pigments in art examination.
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
