Material analysis

The aim of the material survey of the artwork is to determine the pigments and binders used, or to determine the material of its support.

For the analysis, it is necessary to take several small samples from the painting. Samples are normally obtained in areas of the perimeter or in areas already damaged/having paint loss. Once the sample is embedded in synthetic resin, cross-sections are prepared.
From these samples the stratigraphy of the layers can be safely determined and an optical and fluorescence microscope is used for observation and documentation.
To determine the material composition of the layers, the samples are further examined by electron microscopy with X-ray fluorescence analysis or infrared and Raman spectroscopy.

The materials used by the artist hold important clues to the age of the work. For many modern synthetic pigments, the period of their early production and marketing is known.
Therefore, the presence of modern pigments that are not compatible with the stated period of the work’s creation may rule out its presumed age. Conversely, historical pigments may still be used today.

Thus, a material survey without the context of further investigation cannot confirm the authenticity of the work, but the identified pigments can only be used to judge its possible date of creation.