Breaking down banners: analytical approaches to determining the materials of painted banners

Abstract

Background: This paper investigates a range of analytical techniques to yield information about the materials and processes used in making painted banners. A textile conservator, technical art historian and paintings conservator, and materials scientist have joined forces to develop a greater understanding of the potential of analytical findings in the identification of materials.Results: Visual examination using low level magnification and microscopy proved to be a crucial starting point and for identification of areas for further analysis. High magnification microscopy of cross sections was invaluable to gather information regarding the build-up of the layers, their interaction and condition. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of ion-milled samples showed that different areas of the banner had been prepared in different ways. SEM-EDX (scanning electron microscopy energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) confirmed the presence of the main elements of pigments. Raman enabled identification of specific pigments. Raman also provided confirmation of specific materials (such as the paint filler). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) enabled the identification of oil and resin, confirmation of pigments and fibres. Thin layers made sampling and identification challenging. Presence of materials such as silk and lead white dominated some analysis making interpretation of other materials more difficult. Conclusions:Sample preparation had a significant bearing on the effectiveness of the analysis. Ion-milling provided high quality surface on the cross section samples that enabled material interfaces to be clearly seen. The challenges of finding effective wavelengths for analysis of samples using Raman were clearly evident in this study. Microscopy showed fibres blends, easily missed using FTIR, whereas FTIR was particularly effective in the identification of manmade fibres. While portable instrumentation may be useful, for in-depth understanding of the heterogeneous layered materials sample taking still remains crucial. Commercial makers used many typical grounds and pigments but these were used sparingly, in thin layers, in order to produce a flexible object and also perhaps to reduce costs. The textile was however of high quality, in this case silk. Unexpectedly, the preparation layers do not appear to be consistent across the banner; the reasons for this need further investigation.

An investigation of a unique group of painted silk banners from a Polish collection

“…However, despite the use of minimum laser power and short accumulation times, no reasonable spectra were obtained. It has been reported in various recent works that problems can be expected owing to intense fluorescence signals from organic materials such as binders and dyed fabrics . Raman spectroscopy can be used as a tool for the characterization and identification of dyestuff; however, the main drawback of its application is simply the strong fluorescence, which can be, in many cases, the dominant signal.…”

“…It has been reported in various recent works that problems can be expected owing to intense fluorescence signals from organic materials such as binders and dyed fabrics. [1,34] Raman spectroscopy can be used as a tool for the characterization and identification of dyestuff; however, the main drawback of its application is simply the strong fluorescence, which can be, in many cases, the dominant signal. These broad peaks often mask the signals associated with the lesser reacting molecules.…”

“…The scientific study of works of art is regularly performed to gain a deeper insight into the materials or manufacturing technique of historic objects, to understand their state of preservation and to define the treatment best suited to preserve them for future generations. Banners and painted textiles have been recently a subject of interest for textile conservators and scientists …”

“…Banners and painted textiles have been recently a subject of interest for textile conservators and scientists. [1][2][3] Throughout human history, textiles have played a rich part in the lives and traditions of people of all cultures. Most textiles, at some time in their history, have served as functional objects.…”

Developing a non-invasive tool to assess the impact of oxidation on the structural integrity of historic wool in Tudor tapestries

“…In FTIR-ATR analysis sample compression is necessary and may cause further physical damage to already vulnerable objects. Diffuse reflectance infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS) can be used for a noninvasive approach, however the rough and uneven surface of fibres in tapestries may produce erroneous results and spectra that are difficult to interpret [23]. In previous unpublished research by McCullough 1 , DRIFTS was unable to produce spectra containing useful chemical information for historic tapestry fragments at Hampton Court Palace.…”