The use of various X-ray fluorescence analysis modalities for the investigation of historical paintings: The case study on the Late Gothic panel painting

• Published in: Radiation physics and chemistry (Oxford, England : 1993) Vol. 139; pp. 100 - 108
• Main Authors: Bártová, H., Trojek, T., Čechák, T., Šefců, R., Chlumská, Š.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2017; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Bohemian panel paintings; Chemical elements; Damage; Depth distribution; Depth profiling; Fluorescence; Handheld X-ray fluorescence; Late Gothic Period; Nondestructive testing; Pigments; Portable equipment; Scanning; Scanning X-ray fluorescence; X ray fluorescence analysis; X-rays; Pigments; Late Gothic Period; Scanning X-ray fluorescence; Bohemian panel paintings; Handheld X-ray fluorescence; Depth distribution
• ISSN: 0969-806X; 1879-0895
• DOI: 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2017.04.002

The presence of heavy chemical elements in old pigments is possible to identify in historical paintings using X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF). This is a non-destructive analytical method frequently used in examination of objects that require in situ analysis, where it is necessary to avoid damaging the object by taking samples. Different modalities are available, such as microanalysis, scanning selected areas, or depth profiling techniques. Surface scanning is particularly profitable since 2D element distribution maps are much more understandable than the results of individual analyses. Information on the layered structure of the painting can be also obtained by handheld portable systems. Results presented in our paper combine 2D element distribution maps obtained by scanning analysis, and depth profiling using conventional XRF. The latter is very suitable for objects of art, as it can be evaluated from data measured with portable XRF device. Depth profiling by conventional XRF is based on the differences in X-ray absorption in paint layers. The XRF technique was applied for analysis of panel paintings of the Master of the St George Altarpiece who was active in Prague in the 1470s and 1480s. The results were evaluated by taking micro-samples and performing a material analysis. •Panel paintings of the Master of the St George Altarpiece, Prague 15th century.•The depth of the layer was predicted by Kα/Kβ technique.•Comparison with 2D scanning X-ray fluorescence analysis was made.•Micro-destructive elemental analysis was used as a reference method.•Further work with reference pigments and Monte Carlo simulation is possible.