Chemistry of arts - Non-destructive analysis of artistic and cultural heritage objects

摘要

Scientific analysis, especially the chemical composition, of artistic and cultural heritage objects reveals information, which cannot be gained from art historical investigations alone. The improvement of X-ray analytical method, like X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis and Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) analysis, makes it possible to investigate even fragile and very precious objects non-destructively. In principle, two strategies are generally embarked: First, very sophisticated set-ups using particle accelerators or synchrotron-radiation sources for very sensitive or highly spatially-resolved and depth-sensitive analysis. Second, portable instrumentation for in-situ measurements at archaeological excavations, museums and collections. Highlights of investigated objects are limoges school enamels, manuscripts of Goethe and Schiller, the sceptre of Charlemagne, medieval metal objects, silverpoint drawings from the Renaissance, and Indian Mughal paintings.