Characterization of the Colorants in Antonio Raimondi's Botanical Watercolors by X-ray Fluorescence and Raman...

Area of Science:

• Art Conservation Science
• Material Science
• Natural History

Background:

• Antonio Raimondi, a 19th-century Italian naturalist, documented Peruvian botanical history through watercolors.
• Understanding the materials used in historical artworks is crucial for conservation and provenance research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To non-destructively analyze the chemical composition of colorants in Raimondi's botanical watercolors.
• To identify the specific palette used by Raimondi and understand the historical availability of pigments in Peru.

Main Methods:

• Non-destructive analysis using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy.
• Non-destructive analysis using Raman spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• Identified key colorants: carbon-based black, vermillion, Prussian blue, chrome yellow, gamboge, lead white, yellow ochre, red lead, and hematite.
• Detected azurite and lazurite via Raman, suggesting minor quantities mixed with other pigments.
• Found modern synthetic colorants (phthalocyanine blue, beta-oxy-naphthoic acid), indicating later alterations in some illustrations.

Conclusions:

• The study reveals Raimondi's primary palette and provides insights into 19th-century pigment availability in Peru.
• The identification of later synthetic pigments suggests potential later interventions in a few of Raimondi's botanical illustrations.
• This research enhances the understanding of historical art materials and conservation practices.