- Understand the significance of titanium in modern and contemporary art pigments.
- Identify the spectral characteristics of titanium, including K alpha and K beta peaks.
- Explore the differences between titanium forms, rutile and anatase, and their applications in art.
- Analyze other titanium-containing pigments using Pigments Checker.
- Pure titanium cube sample
- Pigments Checker (standard and modern art versions)
- X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer with low-keV setup (aluminum filter 0.25 mm)
- Introduction to Titanium in Art
- Discuss the historical and modern significance of titanium white as the primary white pigment used since the 1930s.
- Briefly review the use of titanium in other pigments, such as cobalt titanite green and nickel titanium yellow.
- Spectral Analysis of Titanium
- Introduce the K alpha (4.5 keV) and K beta (4.9 keV) peaks of titanium.
- Demonstrate the acquisition of titanium spectra using a pure titanium cube with the low-keV XRF setup and aluminum filter.
- Exploring Titanium Forms in Pigments
- Compare the anatase and rutile forms of titanium white, emphasizing their historical use and spectral characteristics.
- Analyze titanium white (rutile) using the standard Pigments Checker, discussing its prevalence in modern art.
- Examine titanium white (anatase) with the modern art Pigments Checker, noting its earlier use before the 1950s.
- Analyzing Titanium-Containing Pigments
- Investigate pigments like cobalt titanite green and nickel titanium yellow, highlighting the titanium content in their spectra.
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
