Fiber Optic Reflection Spectroscopy–Near-Infrared Characterization Study of Dry Pigments for Pictorial Retouching

Abstract

A deep comprehension of composition of pigments, employed nowadays in the field of pictorial retouch is considered essential for a deeper knowledge of their behavior with time once applied on artifacts. A commercially available set consisting of 27 pigments employed for the conservation of both historical and contemporary artworks has been characterized through Reflectance Spectroscopy in the VIS and NIR spectral range. The pigments included in the investigated set are classified into four categories: (i) dyes and colors from plants, (ii) modern pigments, (iii) pigments of own production and historical pigments, and (iv) natural earths. Recorded spectra were interpreted with the aim to detect existing coloring and filling phases and obtained results were compared with available data sheets: some inconsistencies were found, as well as lack of some compounds among the reported ones. Attributions were found for many features, even if in some cases detailed information for a comparison was not found in the literature, especially regarding NIR spectra. The proposed paper aims to provide a useful tool for the study of real artworks with a detailed overview of material characteristics in the visible and near infrared spectral range.

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