Analyzing Blackened Areas of Blue Paints
Author Information
Author(s): Maria Labate, Maurizio Aceto, Giacomo Chiari, Simone Baiocco, Lorenza Operti, Angelo Agostino
Primary Institution: Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Torino
Hypothesis
The study investigates whether the black color in certain Renaissance paintings is due to intentional iconographic reasons, restoration work, or deterioration.
Conclusion
The study found that the blackened areas were originally painted with azurite, suggesting they were once blue.
Supporting Evidence
- The study analyzed 30 paintings attributed to Antoine de Lonhy and other contemporaries.
- XRF analysis detected copper in 32 out of 37 areas analyzed.
- XRD analysis confirmed the presence of azurite in the darkened areas.
- Reflectance spectra indicated that many dark areas contained azurite, despite appearing black.
Takeaway
This study looked at old paintings that look black today but were originally blue. It used special tools to find out that the black areas were actually made with a blue pigment called azurite.
Methodology
The study used non-invasive techniques including X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry, and portable X-ray diffraction to analyze the paintings.
Limitations
The study could not sample the paintings, limiting the depth of analysis.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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