Direct analysis of the central panel of the so-called Wyts triptych after Jan van Eyck

in Journal of Raman Spectroscopy (2010), 41(11), 1210-1219

The applicability of mobile, non-destructive techniques such as energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, which reveals the elemental composition, and fibre-coupled Raman spectroscopy, offering ... [more ▼]

The applicability of mobile, non-destructive techniques such as energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, which reveals the elemental composition, and fibre-coupled Raman spectroscopy, offering molecular information, is applied to the central panel of the Wyts triptych, after Jan van Eyck. Using a combination of these direct techniques, vermilion (HgS), lead white (2PbCO3·Pb(OH)2), anatase (TiO2), massicot (PbO), zinc white (ZnO) and lead-tin yellow type I (Pb2SnO4) could be identified. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) measurements also confirmed the presence of cobalt. Also, copper was detected in different blue and green areas. For the brown and red colour, iron oxides were used. Apart from identifying pigments, the combination of these analytical techniques also gave information about restored parts and the layered structure of the panel. XRF maps of three different areas of the panel painting were recorded to get an idea of the changes the painting underwent during its past history. This research confirms the results of the visual analysis that the painting is a heavily restored copy of a lost original by Jan van Eyck. [less ▲]

Rapport Annuel 2010: Elemental 2D imaging of paintings with a mobile EDXRF system: detailed results

Report (2010)

Multi-disciplinary investigation of the tomb of Menna (TT69), Theban Necropolis, Egypt

in Spectrochimica Acta Part A : Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy (2009), 73(3), 546-552

The archaeometrical survey of the tomb of Menna (TT69), which took place in November-December 2007, is part of the extended research program that aims to study and preserve this tomb in all its aspects ... [more ▼]

The archaeometrical survey of the tomb of Menna (TT69), which took place in November-December 2007, is part of the extended research program that aims to study and preserve this tomb in all its aspects. Menna was a high official who served as an overseer of Cadastral surveys during the reigns of pharaohs Tuthmosis IV and Amenhotep Ill (ca. 1419-1370 BC). The research team aimed to gather information, in a totally non-destructive way, on the materials used and the painting techniques. The technical examinations included photography with normal and raking light. macrophotography, ultra-violet (UV) fluorescence photography, and microscopy. On selected points X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was combined with diffuse reflectance UV-spectrometry, near infrared (NIR) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The technical aspects as well as problems that are inherently associated with an interdisciplinary survey of this extent, are discussed. The project worked with a large team of people with different backgrounds and sensitive technical equipment. Working conditions were quite hostile, including elevated temperatures and dust hampering the examinations. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. [less ▲]

Rapport Annuel 2008: Towards the new IBIL set up

Report (2008)

Portable EDXRF/UV-vis spectrometer, two complementary techniques on a mobile system used for Archaeometry research on the Noble tomb of Menna TT-69, Gourna, Egypt

Conference (2008)

Rapport Annuel 2007: Development of an IBIL system and characterisation of ancient pigments and other archaeological materials

Report (2007)