Deciphering the Chemistry and Nanostructure of Artists’ Paints with Mixed Protein-Oil Binders
At the 6th International Conference on Innovation in Art Research and Technology (in Art 2024), held from 4th–7th June 2024 at the Museum of Cultural History in Oslo, Norway, Rafaella Georgiou presented findings on the molecular composition and microstructure of mixed protein-oil binders in historical paintings.
Cutting-edge techniques for artists’ paints investigation!
To shed light on the inner workings of these complex paints, the researchers employed:
- Atomic Force Microscopy-Based Infrared Spectroscopy (AFM-IR) – A powerful technique combining infrared (IR) spectroscopy with atomic force microscopy, offering sub-20 nm spatial resolution to map proteins and lipids within paint layers.
- X-ray Raman Scattering (XRS) Spectroscopy – A bulk-sensitive approach that provides insights into the chemical bonding of carbon structures in paint binders, similar to x-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) analysis.
By utilizing these state-of-the-art methods, the team successfully visualized how proteins and oils interact at the nanoscale, revealing how different painting techniques led to distinct microstructural properties.
Why Does This Matter?
The insights gained from this research help:
- Understand the materiality of Renaissance paints.
- Showcasing the potential of AFM-IR and XRS in studying complex organic heritage materials.
This study, presented at in Art 2024 in Oslo, marks an exciting step forward in decoding the artistic and materials revolution of Renaissance Italy
Stay tuned for more updates on this fascinating intersection of art and science!
