Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Marta Ghirardello, Victor Gonzalez, Letizia Monico, Austin Nevin, Douglas MacLennan, Catherine Schmidt Patterson, Manfred Burghammer, Matthieu Refregiers, Daniela Comelli, Marine Cotte
Summary: The cultural heritage community is increasingly using synchrotron radiation techniques to study art and archaeological objects. This study explores the combination of X-ray techniques and synchrotron-based photoluminescence to analyze two paint samples from a Pablo Picasso painting. The results demonstrate differences in structure, chemical composition, and photoluminescence properties between the two cadmium yellow paints.
MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS
(2022)
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Mar Gomez Lobon, Marta Ghirardello, Enric Juncosa Darder, Carlos Palomino Cabello, Marta Bauza, Marine Cotte, Aviva Burnstock, Austin Nevin, Silvia Rita Amato, Francesca Caterina Izzo, Daniela Comelli
Summary: The deterioration of cadmium yellow paints in Joan Miro's artworks and his painting materials from his studios in Mallorca were studied. The degraded paints were found to be composed of poorly crystalline cadmium sulfide/zinc cadmium sulfide (CdS/Cd1-xZnxS) with a low percentage of zinc, in an oil binding medium. Cadmium sulfates were identified as the main deterioration products, forming superficial white crusts on the paint surface. Highly degraded samples exhibited a pink/orange emission from the paint surface with a microsecond lifetime. This degradation is believed to be caused by the manufacturing method of the paint and the environmental conditions.
Article
Spectroscopy
Vaclava Antuskova, Radka Sefcu, Petra Sulcova, Zaneta Dohnalova, Jana Luxova, Martina Bajeux Kmonickova, Ivana Turkova, Marek Kotrly
Summary: The research aims to document the variability of Naples yellow pigments in selected artworks by Czech painters. Raman spectroscopy reveals significant differences in the spectra of the pigments, including the presence of hexagonal phase as the dominant phase in some samples, which is surprising considering it is generally considered a minor admixture. The findings suggest that the presence of admixtures and diverse production conditions contribute to the diversity of Naples yellow pigments and their corresponding Raman spectra, making identification challenging. The presented data can serve as a reference for identification purposes.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jinyang Song, Bin Zhang, Rongzhan Liu
Summary: A C/CdS/TiO2 composite was prepared through a calcination method using sodium alginate as a medium. The carbon-based materials acted as a bridge connecting CdS and TiO2, promoting the efficient absorption of UV light and the construction of Z-scheme heterojunctions. The photocatalytic decolorization rate of cationic yellow X-GL in aqueous solutions by the composite was significantly higher than that of TiO2 due to the synergistic effect of hierarchical structure and the separation efficiency of photogenerated carriers.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Zhaojun Liu, Rui Yang, Weihao Wang, Wenzhong Xu, Mengzhu Zhang
Summary: The composition and techniques of a mural painting tomb from the Ming Dynasty were analyzed using micro-Raman, FT-IR, XRD, SEM-EDX, TG-DSC, revealing the pigments, surface deposition, preparatory layer and support materials used. The study identified various pigments including hematite, cinnabar, malachite, yellow ochre, calcite and carbon black. It also revealed that the preparatory layer was made of lime mortar with cotton fiber, while the support was constructed with sticky rice lime mortar and additives. The research provides valuable information for the restoration, conservation and scientific analysis of ancient tomb mural paintings.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jose Santiago Pozo-Antonio, Carolina Cardell, Sonia Sanchez, Jesus Montes Rueda
Summary: Roughness, pigment impurities, and neoformed minerals are important factors affecting the reflectance of painted surfaces. Other factors such as the total thickness of the paint layer and the amount of binder should also be considered. The distribution of pigments and binder in the paint system, as well as their interaction, are key to understanding reflectance values.
Article
Archaeology
Monica Groppo Parma, Heloisa Beraldo, Isolda de Castro Mendes
Summary: This paragraph describes the statute of the first black's brotherhood in Ouro Preto, Brazil. Through X-ray fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy analysis, the materials used for the book decoration were identified, including gold, silver, brass gilding, and various colors. The study also revealed the painting techniques widely used in Brazil during the 18th century, including the use of Prussian Blue.
JOURNAL OF CULTURAL HERITAGE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Francesca Assunta Assunta Pisu, Pier Carlo Ricci, Stefania Porcu, Carlo Maria Carbonaro, Daniele Chiriu
Summary: Cadmium yellow degradation is a common issue in paintings from the 19th to 20th centuries, but the degradation process and its kinetics are not fully understood. In order to improve the understanding of this process, researchers studied mock-up samples of yellow and orange CdS using structural analysis and optical characterization techniques. The samples were artificially degraded with heat treatment and UV exposure. Results showed colorimetric variation and the formation of a defective phase during the degradation of cadmium yellow.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Yiping Zhang
Summary: The arrival of the digital information age has promoted the digital development of oil painting techniques. The purpose of this research is to enhance the integration of digital information technology and oil painting techniques by using image processing algorithms, aiming to address objective issues in the art field.
INTERNATIONAL TRANSACTIONS ON ELECTRICAL ENERGY SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Alice Dal Fovo, George J. Tserevelakis, Evgenia Klironomou, Giannis Zacharakis, Raffaella Fontana
Summary: The study explores the application of photoacoustic methods in paintings analysis, overcoming the detection limits of optical techniques and providing promising results from a real case study. The multi-modal approach has been proven effective in revealing hidden features and providing cross-sectional measurements.
EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL PLUS
(2021)
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Laurence de Viguerie, Helen Glanville, Marie Radepont, Angela Cerasuolo, Alessandra Rullo, Claudio Seccaroni, Philippe Walter
Summary: The Transfiguration by Giovanni Bellini in the Museo di Capodimonte (Naples) is an iconic image depicting a transcendental event in Christianity. Through non-destructive chemical imaging, this study explores the materials and techniques used by the artist to represent this divine event, revealing the earliest use of the pigment stibnite. The research highlights the continuity of Bellini's techniques from his early works and his knowledge of Netherlandish painting, shedding light on how he achieved the luminosity in his portrayal of the divine.
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Jessie Harrison, Judith Lee, Bronwyn Ormsby, David J. Payne
Summary: This study investigates the impact of relative humidity and light on the formation of epsomite crystals in oil paint pigments. The results indicate that elevated humidity and light exposure promote the formation of magnesium sulphate crystals, leading to increased water sensitivity in oil paintings.
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Federica Valentini, Sara De Angelis, Livia Marinelli, Camilla Zaratti, Marcello Colapietro, Ombretta Tarquini, Andrea Macchia
Summary: This paper presents the results of non-invasive diagnostic investigations performed on an unidentified canvas oil painting, which depicts the Marian iconography Mater Boni Consilii and was discovered in Florence in 1966. By employing multi-analytical techniques such as multispectral imaging, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), the study focused on the identification of pigments to determine the artwork's significance. The results revealed a color palette consisting primarily of ochre and earth pigments, cinnabar, lithopone, lead white, and ultramarine pigments. Cross-referencing the acquired information with other findings placed the painting between the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Letizia Monico, Silvia Prati, Giorgia Sciutto, Emilio Catelli, Aldo Romani, Diego Quintero Balbas, Zelan Li, Steven De Meyer, Gert Nuyts, Koen Janssens, Marine Cotte, Jan Garrevoet, Gerald Falkenberg, Vanessa Isabel Tardillo Suarez, Remi Tucoulou, Rocco Mazzeo
Summary: This study provides insights into the causes and mechanisms of darkening of fake-gilded decorations in tempera paintings, emphasizing that Ag-0 and moisture are key factors triggering the transformation of As2S3 to alpha-Ag2S and As-oxides. The high specificity, sensitivity, and lateral resolution of the analytical methods used in the research allowed for the identification of black acanthite, mimetite, and syngenite as degradation products in Cimabue's Maesta painting.
JOURNAL OF ANALYTICAL ATOMIC SPECTROMETRY
(2022)
Article
Spectroscopy
Zuning Zhang, Zhen Liu, Yong Jiang, Huachun Zhu, Te Ji, Jie Wang, Min Chen, Weiwei Peng, Lihua Wang, Xiangjun Wei
Summary: Advanced synchrotron radiation light is a powerful tool for archaeometry research, but its application to precious cultural relics is limited by potential X-ray radiation damage. This study investigated the radiation damage effect of organic binders in paintings compared to inorganic mineral pigments using in situ time-resolved ED-XAS and IR combined techniques. The results showed that pure rabbit skin glue had more serious radiation damage at low X-ray energy, while the mixed sample of rabbit skin glue and zinc white had increased radiation damage due to more X-ray absorption by inorganic pigments. Furthermore, the radiation damage was more severe at the energy near Zn K-edge and less at higher energy levels. The damage effects were more significant in terms of protein secondary structures and increased rapidly at the beginning, showing a non-linear relationship with irradiating time.
X-RAY SPECTROMETRY
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Ignazio Allegretta, Stijn Legrand, Matthias Alfeld, Concetta Eliana Gattullo, Carlo Porfido, Matteo Spagnuolo, Koen Janssens, Roberto Terzano
Summary: SEM-EDX combined with microanalysis is a vital tool for analyzing the morphology and chemical characteristics of materials. Full hyperspectral dataset analysis using software like Datamuncher Gamma can successfully identify and segment different phases within soil aggregates, providing valuable information for studying complex matrices such as soil. This method allows for the analysis of various SEM-EDX data cubes and can be applied to different types of samples and research fields.
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Kirsten Derks, Geert Van der Snickt, Stijn Legrand, Katlijne Van der Stighelen, Koen Janssens
Summary: A significant number of baroque paintings exhibit dark, halo-like shapes, which were practical tools for artists during the early painting stages, providing essential tonal references and helping them anticipate the chromatic impact of the final dark colored backgrounds on adjacent delicate carnations. This 'halo solution' can be considered as a response to optical effects such as 'simultaneous contrast' and 'the crispening effect', developed by 17th-century artists as a means to efficiently neutralize the optical impact of surrounding colors, as proven by modern studies in visual perception.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Arthur Gestels, Geert Van der Snickt, Joost Caen, Gert Nuyts, Stijn Legrand, Frederik Vanmeert, Flore Detry, Koen Janssens, Gunther Steenackers
Summary: This article reports on the conservation-restoration of a 13th century stained-glass window. Through micro- and macro-level analysis, researchers were able to determine the origin and composition of the window, and successfully restore it to its former glory.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marine Cotte, Victor Gonzalez, Frederik Vanmeert, Letizia Monico, Catherine Dejoie, Manfred Burghammer, Loic Huder, Wout de Nolf, Stuart Fisher, Ida Fazlic, Christelle Chauffeton, Gilles Wallez, Nuria Jimenez, Francesc Albert-Tortosa, Nati Salvado, Elena Possenti, Chiara Colombo, Marta Ghirardello, Daniela Comelli, Ermanno Avranovich Clerici, Riccardo Vivani, Aldo Romani, Claudio Costantino, Koen Janssens, Yoko Taniguchi, Joanne McCarthy, Harald Reichert, Jean Susini
Summary: The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility has upgraded its light source, leading to improved beamline performances. To enhance data acquisition speed, new access modes have been developed. One of these modes guarantees beamtime for 10 European institutes, facilitating applications to cultural heritage.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Andrea Marchetti, Victoria Beltran, Gert Nuyts, Ferenc Borondics, Steven De Meyer, Marina Van Bos, Jakub Jaroszewicz, Elke Otten, Marjolijn Debulpaep, Karolien De Wael
Summary: Optical photothermal infrared (O-PTIR) is a noninvasive molecular spectroscopy technique that allows for obtaining chemical information on organic and inorganic samples at a submicrometric scale. In this study, the potential of O-PTIR for characterizing small heritage objects was demonstrated by successfully identifying markers of glass-induced metal corrosion processes in 16th century brass and glass decorative elements.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nouchka De Keyser, Frederique Broers, Frederik Vanmeert, Steven De Meyer, Francesca Gabrieli, Erma Hermens, Geert Van der Snickt, Koen Janssens, Katrien Keune
Summary: This article discusses the visual implication of secondary degradation products in a degraded yellow rose in a still life painting, using a multimodal combination of chemical and optical imaging techniques. The study provides a 3D understanding of the transformation of the original intended appearance of the rose into its current degraded state.
Article
Metallurgy & Metallurgical Engineering
Anna Dobkowska, Lukasz Zrodowski, Monika Chlewicka, Milena Koralnik, Boguslawa Adamczyk-Cieslak, Jakub Ciftci, Bartosz Moronczyk, Miroslaw Kruszewski, Jakub Jaroszewicz, Dariusz Kuc, Wojciech Swieszkowski, Jaroslaw Mizera
Summary: In this study, powder metallurgy methods were used to fabricate Mg-7.5Li-3Al-Zn alloys from repowdered extruded alloys. LPBF and PPS processes were employed to consolidate the bulk materials. The LPBF and PPS materials exhibited refined microstructures but had drawbacks of porosity and unrecrystallized particle boundaries, which affected their corrosion resistance. However, powder metallurgy routes show great potential for the manufacture of Mg-Li based alloys.
JOURNAL OF MAGNESIUM AND ALLOYS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Victor Gonzalez, Ida Fazlic, Marine Cotte, Frederik Vanmeert, Arthur Gestels, Steven De Meyer, Frederique Broers, Joen Hermans, Annelies van Loon, Koen Janssens, Petria Noble, Katrien Keune
Summary: The Night Watch, painted by Rembrandt in 1642, is his most famous work and is displayed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) mapping revealed the presence of lead(II) formate in the painting, which was not previously reported in historical oil paints. Model oil paint media were prepared and analyzed to investigate the reactivity of lead driers in oil matrices, and lead(II) formate and lead(II) formate hydroxide were detected and mapped, providing new insights into historical paintings.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Michael Hillen, Seppe Sels, Bart Ribbens, Simon Verspeek, Koen Janssens, Geert van der Snickt, Gunther Steenackers
Summary: When studying paintings with active infrared thermography (IRT), lock-in thermography (LIT) showed advantages over pulse thermography (PT) in minimizing temperature fluctuations and providing higher contrast and less noise in phase images. However, PT was better at showing the upper paint layer, which is important for observing subsurface defects or the support structure. The influence of camera spectral range on the results was also investigated, with the addition of a long-pass filter eliminating direct reflection artifacts caused by halogen light sources when using a mid-wave infrared (MWIR) camera.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ermanno Avranovich Clerici, Steven de Meyer, Frederik Vanmeert, Stijn Legrand, Letizia Monico, Costanza Miliani, Koen Janssens
Summary: This study examines the chromatic alteration of various paint types on mural painting fragments from The Upper Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Italy using synchrotron radiation. The fragments are from ceiling paintings attributed to Cimabue and Giotto, with different discoloration in white, blue/green, and brown/yellow/orange areas. X-ray fluorescence and diffraction maps were collected from the fragments, and paint cross-sections were analyzed using microscopic X-ray fluorescence and powder diffraction mapping. The study identified numerous secondary products on the painted surfaces, including copper tri-hydroxychloride, corderoite, calomel, plattnerite, scrutinyite, whewellite, and weddellite.
Editorial Material
Spectroscopy
Koen Janssens
X-RAY SPECTROMETRY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Diana C. Martinez, Anna Dobkowska, Romy Marek, Hanna Cwieka, Jakub Jaroszewicz, Tomasz P. Plocinski, Crtomir Donik, Heike Helmholz, Berengere Luthringer-Feyerabend, Berit Zeller-Plumhoff, Regine Willumeit-Roemer, Wojciech Swieszkowski
Summary: This study investigated the degradation of an Mg-0.45Zn-0.45Ca (ZX00) screw in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that the ZX00 alloy promoted bone healing and the formation of new bone. Despite the correlation with the production procedure, the ZX00 alloy was still suitable for temporary bone implants.
BIOACTIVE MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thomas De Kerf, Arthur Gestels, Koen Janssens, Paul Scheunders, Gunther Steenackers, Steve Vanlanduit
Summary: This study presents a novel method using hyperspectral imaging to detect and quantify atmospheric corrosion products on carbon steel. The results show that the method is able to obtain visually similar images, indicating that hyperspectral imaging could be a viable tool for the study of corrosion minerals.