Looking for Common Fingerprints in Leonardo's Pupils Using Nondestructive Pigment Characterization. Issue 8 (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bonizzoni, Letizia; Gargano, Marco; Ludwig, Nicola; Martini, Marco; Galli, Anna
• Is Part Of: Applied spectroscopy. Volume 71:Issue 8(2017)
• Page Start: 1915
• Page End: 1926
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: Portable X-ray fluorescence -- pXRF -- fiber optic reflection spectroscopy -- FORS -- pigments -- Leonardo's workshop -- Italian Renaissance; Spectrum analysis -- Periodicals; 543.505
• DOI: 10.1177/0003702817694901
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-7028

Abstract

Non-invasive, portable analytical techniques are becoming increasingly widespread for the study and conservation in the field of cultural heritage, proving that a good data handling, supported by a deep knowledge of the techniques themselves, and the right synergy can give surprisingly substantial results when using portable but reliable instrumentation. In this work, pigment characterization was carried out on 21 Leonardesque paintings applying in situ X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and fiber optic reflection spectroscopy (FORS) analyses. In-depth data evaluation allowed to get information on the color palette and the painting technique of the different artists and workshops . Particular attention was paid to green pigments (for which a deeper study of possible pigments and alterations was performed with FORS analyses), flesh tones (for which a comparison with available data from cross-sections was made), and ground preparation.