Journal Article

PUBDB-2025-05380

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Advanced X-ray techniques to study the alteration of pigments in paintings

Monico, L. (Corresponding author)Extern* ; Janssens, K.Extern* ; Cotte, M.Extern* ; Webb, S. M. ; Vanmeert, F.Extern* ; Gonzalez, V.Extern* ; Van der Snickt, G.Extern* ; Keune, K.Extern* ; Brunetti, B. G. ; Falkenberg, G.DESY* ; Garrevoet, J.DESY* ; van Loon, A.Extern* ; Vermeulen, M.Extern* ; Maguregui, M. ; De Meyer, S.Extern* ; Clerici, E. A. ; Broers, F. T. H.Extern* ; Cartechini, L. ; De Keyser, N.Extern* ; d’Acapito, F. ; Meirer, F.Extern* ; Romani, A.Extern* ; Rosi, F.Extern* ; Marri, S. C. ; Comelli, D.Extern* ; Deleu, N.Extern* ; Fazlic, I. ; Ghirardello, M.Extern* ; Holé, C. ; Pérez-Diez, S. ; Thoury, M. ; Miliani, C.Extern*

2025
SIF Bologna

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1007/s40766-025-00070-7  doi:10.3204/PUBDB-2025-05380

Abstract: The application of X-ray methods (using conventional sources or synchrotron radiation)for investigating degradation phenomena in paintings has significantly increasedin the last two decades. This rise is due to their ability to provide spatially resolvedelemental, molecular, and structural information from the macroscopic to thenanoscopic levels. This review will focus on the application of latest-generation X-raytechniques, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray absorption spectroscopy(XAS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), to study the alteration processes of pigments inpaintings. The first part outlines the fundamentals of XRF, XAS, and XRD techniquesand then describes the corresponding instrumental set-ups used for non-invasivemacro-scale mapping of paintings and synchrotron radiation-based X-ray analysisof paint micro-samples. Subsequent sections will cover advancements in X-ray dataanalysis software, workflow management systems, Open Science and FAIR datainitiatives, alongside practical aspects of sample preparation and issues concerningX-ray-induced damage to paints. The final section will review degradation phenomenaresulting from chemical changes of selected classes of pigments. This willinvolve describing key findings obtained from paintings, related micro-samples, andartificially aged paint mock-ups. The outcomes discussed in this review highlight theircrucial role in developing effective monitoring and preventive conservation strategiesfor artworks highly susceptible to degradation within heritage sites and museums.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. DOOR-User (DOOR ; HAS-User)
2. PETRA-S (FS-PETRA-S)

Research Program(s):

1. 631 - Matter – Dynamics, Mechanisms and Control (POF4-631) (POF4-631)
2. 6G3 - PETRA III (DESY) (POF4-6G3) (POF4-6G3)
3. IPERION HS - Integrating Platforms for the European Research Infrastructure ON Heritage Science (871034) (871034)
4. PERCEIVE - Perceptive Enhanced Realities of Colored collEctions through AI and Virtual Experiences (101061157) (101061157)

Experiment(s):

1. PETRA Beamline P06 (PETRA III)

Appears in the scientific report 2025

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Database coverage:
; ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; DEAL Springer ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF < 5 ; JCR ; Nationallizenz ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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