Centre d'Analyses et de Recherche en Art et ArchéologiePigments are present everywhere in Art. They are found in prehistoric paintings on rock art, on stained-glass, on canvas and panel paintings, on statues, dyes on fabrics, glazed on terracotta, etc. They are everywhere and knowing their chemical structure is an undeniable asset for authentication, preservation and restoration. Understanding a work of art, an artist…
Painting analysis (on canvas, panel, paper, etc …) comes through the study of the pigments used, the media, the preparation layers, the binders or the varnishes. Spectroscopic analyzes (eg. FTIR, Raman, XRF, … ) help mainly to characterize these materials in order to determine the date of completion, the state of conservation or possible restoration…
Each year, CARAA engages through skills sponsorship and internships with students in conservation-restoration and chemistry.