Journal Article

PUBDB-2025-05381

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Discovering the dual degradation pathway of emerald green in oil paints: The effects of light and humidity

Carboni Marri, S.Extern* ; Monico, L. (Corresponding author)Extern* ; Rossi, F.Extern* ; Miliani, C. ; Vivani, R. ; Janssens, K.Extern* ; De Meyer, S. ; Mathon, O. ; Cotte, M. ; Burghammer, M.Extern* ; Garrevoet, J.DESY* ; Falkenberg, G.DESY* ; Avranovich Clerici, E. ; Rios-Casier, A. ; Van der Snickt, G.Extern* ; Romani, A.Extern*

2025
Assoc. Washington, DC [u.a.]

This record in other databases:    

Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1126/sciadv.ady1807

Abstract: Emerald green, a copper acetoarsenite pigment, enriched the 19th-century and 20th-century artists’ palettes andcaused darkening and fragilities in paintings. The accepted alteration mechanism involves the oxidation of triar-senite ions [(As3O6)3−] to arsenates (AsO43−), although questions about the promoting factors and the origin ofthe oxidized arsenic remain unanswered. This study investigates the primary environmental parameters inducingalteration in the oil binder and elucidates the associated degradation pathways through a multiscale analyticalapproach, including noninvasive spectroscopic techniques and synchrotron radiation–based x-ray methods. Bycombining results from a historical oil painting by James Ensor (1860 to 1949) and artificially aged paint mock-ups, we identified ultraviolet A–visible light and humidity (relative humidity ≥ 95%) as key driving factors, induc-ing a dual degradation pathway: Light promotes surface-stratified arsenic oxidation (As3+ →→ As5+) resulting inamorphous As5+- rich compounds, whereas a dark, high moisture environment favors arsenolite (As₂O₃) crystalli-zation. In addition, a noninvasive analytical strategy is proposed for monitoring the conservation state of emeraldgreen paints in historical artworks.

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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)

Experiment(s):

1. PETRA Beamline P06 (PETRA III)

Appears in the scientific report 2025

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Database coverage:
; ; Article Processing Charges ; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; DOAJ Seal ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; Fees ; IF >= 10 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection ; Zoological Record

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