Lead isotope heterogeneity in lead white: From lead white raw pigment to canvas

Paolo D'imporzano*, Katarina Batur, Katrien Keune, Janne M. Koornneef, Erma Hermens, Petria Noble, Kirsten van Zuilen, Gareth R. Davies

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

The heterogeneity of lead isotope ratios of lead white paints within individual paintings is evaluated. The analyses of five different 17th-century Dutch paintings, sampled in different locations, identifies the presence of isotopic heterogeneity in lead white within a single painting. Pure pigment in the form of cones of 16th-century Venetian lead white, in contrast, was found to be isotopically homogeneous. The study evaluates the origins of the increased heterogeneity of lead isotope ratios in the evolution from the pure pigment to the artwork.

Original languageEnglish
Article number105897
Pages (from-to)1-10
Number of pages10
JournalMicrochemical Journal
Volume163
Early online date25 Dec 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2021

Keywords

  • 17th century
  • Lead isotopes
  • Lead white
  • MC-ICPMS
  • Paintings

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