| AVS 58th Annual International Symposium and Exhibition | |
| Applied Surface Science Division | Tuesday Sessions |
| Session AS-TuA |
| Session: | Imaging and 3D Chemical Analysis - Part II |
| Presenter: | Tim Nunney, Thermo Fisher Scientific, UK |
| Authors: | T.S. Nunney, Thermo Fisher Scientific, UK J.J. Boon, AMOLF, Netherlands E.S.B. Ferreira, Swiss Institute for Art Research (SIK-ISEA), Switzerland |
| Correspondent: | Click to Email |
The understanding of the processes involved in the aging of artworks is of considerable importance in maintaining these pieces for future generations. Delamination of paint layers, chemical reactions of constituents in and between paint layers, interactions with the material that the paint was applied to, and the influence of the environment on the works can all have an effect on their appearance. By understanding these processes, conservators can attempt to retain the appearance as the artist intended.
Surface analysis has been used to investigate a cross-section sample taken from “Autumn in Oschwand” (1906) by Cuno Amiet (1868-1961). The painting has become lighter in certain areas, and the cause of this was investigated. EDS analysis indicated that a higher proportion of lead had accumulated near the surface of the outer paint layer. XPS imaging of the sample in conjunction with multivariate statistical analysis of the data allows the chemical state of the individual components to be distinguished, from lead carbonate (or “lead white” pigment) to the lead soaps that are causing the change in the appearance of the painting, and the copper, chromium and arsenic pigments that form the paint layers. These analyses were compared with spectra from reference pigments to identify the original paints used. Further investigation using Raman and FTIR microscopy was used to complete the analysis.