A PRELIMINARY NOTE ON THE INCIDENCE OF DISCOLOURATION OF SMALT IN OIL MEDIA

Joyce Plesters

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Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis Conservation Techniques and Studies Building materials and conservation

Abstract

Although smalt, a glass, might be expected to behave as a stable pigment, discolouration of smalt-containing paint layers has been observed. Early references from the literature are cited which mention the discolouration of smalt in oil media. Originally blue layers on paintings have changed into dull grey or greyish-green. Experiments suggest the following factors for this discolouration: low refractive index of the pigment compared with that of oil media; interaction of alkali content or cobalt content with oil and oleo-resinous media; the possibility of similar reactions with resin- or oil-resin varnishes in certain conditions. Discolouration may also occur if smalt is mixed with other pigments, or added as a drier or as an adulterant.A proper understanding of the mechanism of the deterioration would require further research by more sophisticated methods.

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References

1973The Conservation of Antiquities and Works of Art 19662. Ultramarine Blue, Natural and Artificial 1969SMALT

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2017Interactions of natural resins and pigments in works of art 2006A Study of Smalt and its Conservation Problems in Two Sixteenth-Century Wall Paintings in Rome 2015Investigation of smalt in cross-sections of 17th century paintings using elemental mapping by laser ablation ICP-MS 2012An authentication case study: Antonio Palomino versus Vicente Guillo paintings in the vaulted ceiling of the Sant Joan del Mercat church (Valencia, Spain)1970INVESTIGATION OF DISCOLOURED SMALT 2025Advanced X-ray techniques to study the alteration of pigments in paintings 2012The mural paintings of Ala di Stura (Piedmont, Italy): a hidden treasure investigated 1993THE HISTORICAL MANUFACTURE OF BLUE-COLOURED PAPER

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