Development of a multi-method analytical approach based on the combination of synchrotron radiation X-ray micro-analytical techniques and vibrational micro-spectroscopy methods to unveil the causes and mechanism of darkening of “fake-gilded” decorations in a Cimabue painting

Abstract

Synchrotron radiation X-ray micro-analytical techniques and vibrational micro-spectroscopy methods were used to establish the factors and mechanism of darkening of “fake-gilded” decorations in the Maestà by Cimabue and aged paint mock-ups.

X-ray Synchrotron Radiation to Look at Pigments in Antiquities: Overview and Examples

“…SR-XRD and SR-XRF are also used in combination with SR-micro-X-ray absorption near-edge structure (SR-µXANES), which is fundamental for the investigation of alteration mechanisms involving redox processes [18][19][20]. Using focused beams, this method can reveal the oxidation state and local ordering of selected elements on the micro-and nanoscales.…”

Atomic spectrometry update: review of advances in X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and its special applications

“…A comprehensive multi-material and multi-method approach based on the combination of SR-based X-ray micro-analytical techniques (XRD, XRF, XANES at SK-/AgL 3 -/AsK-edges) and vibrational micro-spectroscopy methods was used by Monico et al 99 to reveal the causes and mechanism of the darkening of “fake-gilded” decorations in tempera paintings which had originally consisted of an unusual mixture of As 2 S 3 and metallic silver (Ag 0 ). Measurements were performed at the scanning X-ray microscope endstation of beamline ID21 and at the hard X-ray nanoprobe beamline ID16b of the ESRF (Grenoble, France).…”

Atomic spectrometry update: review of advances in the analysis of metals, chemicals and materials

“…A paper attempting to elucidate the cause and mechanism of the darkening of "fake-gilded" decorations in a painting was presented by Monico et al who used several synchrotron X-ray-based techniques for the task. 384 The painting unusually consisted of a mixture of the pigment orpiment (As 2 S 3 ) and metallic silver and so these materials were the main focus during this study. The paper described a multi-material and multi-method approach based on the combination of synchrotron radiation X-ray-based techniques such as XRD, XRF and XANES and vibrational micro-spectroscopy methods.…”