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Non-destructive synchrotron X-ray diffraction mapping of a Roman painting

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Abstract

The history and the properties of materials are deduced not only from their elemental and molecular signatures, but also from their exact phase compositions, and from the structures and the defects of their constituents. Here we implement a non-destructive synchrotron X-ray based method, which combines both the quantitative structural content of diffraction and the imaging mode. As a demonstration case, the pigments of a Roman wall painting are examined. The joined elemental and mineral maps mimic the major features of the painting. Different structural phases made of common atomic elements are differentiated. Textures and graininess are measured and related to the artist’s know-how.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CNRS UPR 5031, Laboratoire de Cristallographie, 25 av. des Martyrs, BP 166, 38042, Grenoble, Cedex 9, France

    E. Dooryhée, M. Anne, J.-L. Hodeau, P. Martinetto & S. Rondot

  2. Musées de la Cour d’Or, 2 rue du Haut Poirier, 57000, Metz, France

    I. Bardiès

  3. CNRS UMR 171, Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France, 6 rue des Pyramides, 75041, Paris, Cedex 01, France

    J. Salomon & P. Walter

  4. European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, av. Jules Horowitz, BP 220, 38043, Grenoble, Cedex, France

    G.B.M. Vaughan

Authors
  1. E. Dooryhée
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  2. M. Anne
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  3. I. Bardiès
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  4. J.-L. Hodeau
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  5. P. Martinetto
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  6. S. Rondot
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  7. J. Salomon
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  8. G.B.M. Vaughan
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  9. P. Walter
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to E. Dooryhée.

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PACS

07.85.Qe; 61.10.Nz; 83.85.Hf

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Dooryhée, E., Anne, M., Bardiès, I. et al. Non-destructive synchrotron X-ray diffraction mapping of a Roman painting. Appl. Phys. A 81, 663–667 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-005-3281-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-005-3281-6

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