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Author |
Pastorelli, G.; Miranda, A.S.O.; Avranovich Clerici, E.; d'Imporzano, P.; Hansen, B.V.; Janssens, K.; Davies, G.R.; Borring, N. |
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Title |
Darkening of lead white in old master drawings and historic prints : a multi-analytical investigation |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year  |
2024 |
Publication |
Microchemical journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
199 |
Issue |
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Pages |
109912-10 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy (AXIS) |
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Abstract |
Old master drawings and historic prints often feature white highlights, which are typically painted using lead white, one of the most widely used historical white pigments. However, it has been observed that many of these highlights discolour over time, becoming dark brown or black due to unclear degradation processes. This phenomenon not only misrepresents the original artefacts, threatening their suitability for public display, but also diminishes their longevity. To ensure their preservation, it is essential to determine why some lead white highlights in these museum objects retain their light tones while others are prone to darkening. The objective of this study was to identify the relationships between the composition, provenance, and production methods of lead white pigments, and their role in the discolouration observed on drawings, lithographs and early photographs. Selected samples and artefacts were examined using a range of analytical techniques, namely X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and lead isotope analysis. While XRF analyses confirmed the presence of lead as the primary element in the majority of the highlights, XRPD measurements identified a variety of lead compounds such as the carbonates cerussite and hydrocerussite alongside galena-a black crystalline sulfide-and lead sulfates. Additionally, isotope analyses classified the lead raw materials into five main groups. Through these measurements, the examined lead white pigments were categorised based on their compositional properties in relation to the raw materials used, as well as their geographical and temporal origin. A significant finding is that lead white pigments from different production periods, spanning from older to more modern, may be characterised by varying proneness to discolouration irrespective of their provenance. |
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Wos |
001166502200001 |
Publication Date |
2024-01-03 |
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0026-265x; 0026-265x |
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UA library record; WoS full record |
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no |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:205450 |
Serial |
9197 |
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Author |
van Loon, A.; Vandivere, A.; Delaney, J.K.; Dooley, K.A.; De Meyer, S.; Vanmeert, F.; Gonzalez, V.; Janssens, K.; Leonhardt, E.; Haswell, R.; de Groot, S.; D'Imporzano, P.; Davies, G.R. |
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Title |
Beauty is skin deep : the skin tones of Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
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Year |
2019 |
Publication |
Heritage science |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
7 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
102 |
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Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Art; AXES (Antwerp X-ray Analysis, Electrochemistry and Speciation) |
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Abstract |
The soft modelling of the skin tones in Vermeer's Girl with a Pearl Earring (Mauritshuis) has been remarked upon by art historians, and is their main argument to date this painting to c. 1665. This paper describes the materials and techniques Vermeer used to accomplish the smooth flesh tones and facial features of the Girl, which were investigated as part of the 2018 Girl in the Spotlight research project. It combines macroscopic X-ray fluorescence imaging (MA-XRF), reflectance imaging spectroscopy (RIS), and 3D digital microscopy. Vermeer built up the face, beginning with distinct areas of light and dark. He then smoothly blended the final layers to create almost seamless transitions. The combination of advanced imaging techniques highlighted that Vermeer built the soft contour around her face by leaving a 'gap' between the background and the skin. It also revealed details that were otherwise not visible with the naked eye, such as the eyelashes. Macroscopic imaging was complemented by the study of paint cross-sections using: light microscopy, SEM-EDX, FIB-STEM, synchrotron radiation mu-XRPD and FTIR-ATR. Vermeer intentionally used different qualities or grades of lead white in the flesh paints, showing different hydrocerussite/cerussite ratios and particle sizes. Lead isotope analysis showed that the geographic source of lead, from which the different types of lead white were manufactured, was the same: the region of Peak District of Derbyshire, UK. Finally, cross-section analysis identified the formation of new lead species in the paints: lead soaps and palmierite (K2Pb(SO4)(2)), associated with the red lake. |
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000516736100001 |
Publication Date |
2019-12-16 |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
2050-7445 |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
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no |
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Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:167549 |
Serial |
7552 |
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