Pigments
Pigments are ubiquitous in Art. They are in rock art paintings, stained-glass, master paintings, statues, fabrics, terracotta etc... They are omnipresent and a good knowledge of their chemical structure is a clear support for authentication, preservation and restoration.
Understanding à painted object and the artist
The characterization of the pigments used by a specific artist helps to understand the numerous processes that led to the production of the painted item (mixtures, overlapping layers, repairs, etc.).. The comprehension of a paint from a polychrome sculpture, a canvas, an icon or a wall, happens in the first instance by the characterization of the materials used by the artist.
Authenticate a painted item
Authentication can be made by confirming or refuting the composition of the palette of pigments used by the artist. The worldwide chronology of the use of pigments is another way to determine if a repair or restoration was made or whether the pigments are compatible with the creation date of the work. This type of analysis provides indirect dating.
A benefit for restoration and conservation
A common analytical application for the painting restorer and conservator is, among others, determining the stability of the pigments under light (microfadeometry) or heat.
