Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
07:05
Applying Hyperspectral Reflectance Imaging to Investigate the Palettes and the Techniques of Painters
Published on: June 18, 2021
Raman spectroscopy analysis of pigments on 16-17th c. Persian manuscripts
Vânia S F Muralha1, Lucia Burgio, Robin J H Clark
1Christopher Ingold Laboratories, University College London, London, UK. solange@fct.unl.pt
Summary
Raman microscopy identified common pigments like lazurite and red lead in four Persian manuscripts. Findings reveal pigment mixtures enhanced illuminations, with unusual arsenic sulfides and carmine also detected.
Area of Science:
- Art history
- Materials science
- Chemistry
Background:
- Analysis of 16th and 17th-century Persian manuscripts.
- Understanding historical painting techniques and pigment use.
Observation:
- Raman microscopy was employed to analyze the pigment composition of four Persian manuscripts.
- Common pigments identified across all manuscripts include lazurite, red lead, vermilion, orpiment, and carbon black.
Findings:
- The study identified a palette of 11 pigments, including lazurite, red lead, vermilion, orpiment, carbon black, lead white, malachite, haematite, indigo, carmine, and pararealgar.
- Red lead was the primary red pigment but is rarely mentioned in historical treatises.
- Unusual pigments, such as an intermediate phase of realgar/pararealgar and carmine, were found in specific manuscripts.
Implications:
- Pigment mixtures were crucial for enhancing manuscript illuminations, despite a limited overall palette.
- Raman microscopy proves effective in identifying historical pigments and their mixtures.
- This research contributes to the understanding of Persian artistic practices and material culture.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Raman Spectroscopy: Overview
The underlying principle of Raman spectroscopy is based on the interaction between light and matter, specifically molecules' inelastic scattering of photons. When a monochromatic beam of light, typically from a laser source, interacts with a sample, most scattered light has the same frequency as the incident light. This is known as Rayleigh scattering.
However, a small fraction of the scattered light exhibits a frequency shift due to the exchange of energy between the incident photons and the...
However, a small fraction of the scattered light exhibits a frequency shift due to the exchange of energy between the incident photons and the...
01:26Raman Spectroscopy Instrumentation: Overview
A conventional Raman spectrophotometer includes a laser source, a sample holding system, a wavelength selector, and a detector.
The monochromatic laser source, typically using visible or near-infrared radiation, generates a highly focused beam of light. This light interacts with the molecules of the sample, scattering some of the light. Liquid and gaseous samples are usually tested in ordinary glass capillaries, while solids can be analyzed as powders packed in capillaries or as potassium...
The monochromatic laser source, typically using visible or near-infrared radiation, generates a highly focused beam of light. This light interacts with the molecules of the sample, scattering some of the light. Liquid and gaseous samples are usually tested in ordinary glass capillaries, while solids can be analyzed as powders packed in capillaries or as potassium...
01:19Pigmentation
The color of the skin is influenced by a number of pigments, including melanin, carotene, and hemoglobin. Recall that melanin is produced by cells called melanocytes, which are found scattered throughout the stratum basale of the epidermis. The melanin is transferred to the keratinocytes via melanosomes.
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...