HHXRF, Raman and imaging techniques applied to the materials characterization of three Thomas Gainsborough's paintings

IF 2.8 3区物理与天体物理 Q3 CHEMISTRY, PHYSICAL

Radiation Physics and Chemistry Pub Date : 2025-09-30 DOI:10.1016/j.radphyschem.2025.113344

Letícia M. Birelo , Carlos R. Appoloni , Rafael Molari , Elizabeth A. Kajiya , Márcia de A. Rizzutto

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Abstract

This study presents the spectroscopic and imaging characterization of three paintings by Thomas Gainsborough: Drinkstone Park (1747), Lady Bolton (1770), and Francis Rawdon (1783–1784). Recent handheld X-ray fluorescence (HHXRF) and Raman spectroscopy analyses were conducted to update previous findings. Measurements targeted original areas, color tonalities, and potential restorations. Additionally, a complete imaging survey (visible, ultraviolet fluorescence, raking light, infrared reflectography, and radiography) was performed to reveal underdrawings, craquelure patterns, and restoration. The HHXRF and Raman results identified a consistent palette composed of traditional pigments such as Lead White, Yellow Ochre, Naples Yellow, Prussian Blue, Sienna, Umber, Bone Black, and Vermilion. Zinc White was detected in flesh-tone regions, while restoration areas showed the use of Viridian, Chrome Yellow, and Cobalt Blue. Raman analysis was occasionally limited by thick varnish layers. Imaging revealed overpainted areas, alterations in composition, and differences in pigment layer density. Environmental contaminants, such as chlorine, cobalt, and copper, were also detected. The combined spectroscopic and imaging approach enabled a deeper understanding of Gainsborough's materials, techniques, and conservation history, supporting more informed preservation strategies.

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HHXRF，拉曼和成像技术应用于托马斯·庚斯伯勒的三幅画的材料表征

本研究展示了托马斯·Gainsborough的三幅画的光谱和成像特征：Drinkstone Park (1747), Lady Bolton（1770）和Francis Rawdon（1783-1784）。最近进行了手持式x射线荧光（HHXRF）和拉曼光谱分析，以更新先前的发现。测量的目标是原始区域，色调和潜在的修复。此外，还进行了完整的成像调查（可见光、紫外荧光、斜光、红外反射成像和x线摄影），以显示凹痕、裂缝模式和修复。HHXRF和拉曼的结果确定了一个一致的调色板，由传统颜料组成，如铅白、黄赭石、那不勒斯黄、普鲁士蓝、锡蓝、数字、骨黑和朱红色。在肉色区域检测到锌白，而修复区域显示使用了翠绿，铬黄和钴蓝。拉曼分析偶尔会受到厚厚的清漆层的限制。成像显示有过涂的区域，成分的改变和颜料层密度的差异。氯、钴、铜等环境污染物也被检测出来。光谱和成像相结合的方法使人们能够更深入地了解Gainsborough的材料、技术和保护历史，从而支持更明智的保护策略。

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来源期刊

Radiation Physics and Chemistry 化学-核科学技术

CiteScore

5.60

自引率

17.20%

发文量

574

审稿时长

12 weeks

期刊介绍： Radiation Physics and Chemistry is a multidisciplinary journal that provides a medium for publication of substantial and original papers, reviews, and short communications which focus on research and developments involving ionizing radiation in radiation physics, radiation chemistry and radiation processing. The journal aims to publish papers with significance to an international audience, containing substantial novelty and scientific impact. The Editors reserve the rights to reject, with or without external review, papers that do not meet these criteria. This could include papers that are very similar to previous publications, only with changed target substrates, employed materials, analyzed sites and experimental methods, report results without presenting new insights and/or hypothesis testing, or do not focus on the radiation effects.