Characterization of a sacred statuette replica of "Nossa Senhora da Conceição Aparecida" using X-ray spectrometry techniques
Abstract
The pigments characterization in artwork and cultural heritage is important since it allows to reveal many information like the period characteristics in which the object was made, its provenance and its manufacturing technique. Furthermore, it can support in the identification of forgeries and in the evaluation of conservation and restoration interventions. In this work, it was used XRF, μXRF, XRD and Raman spectroscopy techniques in the characterization of a statuette of the "Nossa Senhora da Conceição Aparecida". The X-ray fluorescence analysis were performed in 66 points distributed throughout the piece, like in the wood structure, in the ground layer and on the pigment layer. In addition, elemental mapping was performed using the X-ray micro fluorescence (μXRF) technique in a small fragment, containing both the pigment and the ground layer. The X-ray diffraction analyzes were performed on the ground layer material and the Raman spectroscopy was performed in order to improve the evaluation of the data and assist in the characterization of the ground and the pigment layers. The results show that the major elements in the pigment were Fe and Mn, indicating that it's probably the Burnt Sienna pigment. The XRD and Raman analysis show that the substrate layer was made by calcium carbonate (calcite) and a binder material (probably rabbit glue).
- Publication:
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Radiation Physics and Chemistry
- Pub Date:
- February 2020
- DOI:
- 10.1016/j.radphyschem.2019.04.016
- Bibcode:
- 2020RaPC..16708266S
- Keywords:
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- Archaeometry;
- X-ray spectrometry techniques;
- Pigments