Art Conservation

Pigments are important clues to the historical background of artworks. This application note introduces elemental map imaging performed on Vincent van Gogh’s oil painting “Flower Vase with Thistles” using the XGT-9000SL. The results reveal that elemental compositions of the pigments used on the painting were different from ones previously reported to have been used by van Gogh. It suggests that this painting was a replica of the artwork.

Lapis lazuli is a deep-blue metamorphic rock used as a semiprecious stone which contains inclusions that can impact its value. Pyrite impurities and major elements distribution are studied with the XGT-9000, HORIBA’s new X-ray microscope.