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.

In this study we have chosen to investigate pyrite and its surrounding minerals in order to identify the different mineral phases as well as the chemical variations from micro- to nano-scale. Using the different microscopes instruments and being co-localized allows a comprehensive characterization of the sample and a precise superimposition of all the images.

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.