Synchrotron-based high angle resolution and high lateral resolution X-ray diffraction reveals lead white pigment qualities in Old Masters paintings
Abstract
Micro-samples collected on 28 major paintings by Old European Masters dating from the Middle Ages to the late 19th c. were analyzed using Synchrotron-based X-ray diffraction. Two complementary analytical configurations were used at beamlines ID22 (high-angle resolution) and ID21 (high lateral resolution), in order to highlight markers of the different grades of the lead white pigments (mixture of cerussite PbCO3 and hydrocerussite Pb3(CO3)2(OH)2). Rietveld analysis and crystalline phases mapping at the micro-scale revealed the composition and microstructure of the pigments, shedding light on the preparation recipes and pigment choices of the artists through History.