Non-invasive quantitative micro-PIXE–RBS/EBS/EBS imaging reveals the lost polychromy and gilding of the Neo-Assyrian ivories from the Louvre collection

Antique objects are known to have been brightly colored. However, the appearance of these objects has changed over time and paint traces are rarely preserved. The surface of ivory objects (8th century B.C., Syria) from the Louvre museum collection (Paris) have been non-invasively studied by simultan...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Talanta (Oxford) 2015-05, Vol.137, p.100-108
Main Authors: Albéric, Marie, Müller, Katharina, Pichon, Laurent, Lemasson, Quentin, Moignard, Brice, Pacheco, Claire, Fontan, Elisabeth, Reiche, Ina
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Au NPs
Collection
Elemental imaging
Emission analysis
Gilding
Imaging
Ivory
Louvres
Micro-PIXE–RBS/EBS
Paints
Paris
Reconstruction
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Summary:Antique objects are known to have been brightly colored. However, the appearance of these objects has changed over time and paint traces are rarely preserved. The surface of ivory objects (8th century B.C., Syria) from the Louvre museum collection (Paris) have been non-invasively studied by simultaneous particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and Rutherford and elastic backscattering spectrometry (RBS/EBS) micro-imaging at the AGLAE facility (C2RMF, Paris). Qualitative 2D chemical images of elements ranging from Na to Pb on the surface of the ancient ivory carvings provide evidence of lost polychromy and gilding. Quantitative PIXE data of specific areas allow discrimination between traces of sediments and former polychromy. Different shades of blue can be differentiated from particular Pb/Cu ratios. The characterization of gilding based on RBS data demonstrates the exceptional technological skills of the Phoenician craftsmen supposed to have carved the Arslan Tash ivories. More precise reconstructions of the original polychromy compared to previous studies and a criterion for the authentication of ancient gilded ivory object are proposed. [Display omitted] •Particle-induced X-ray emission and Rutherford/elastic backscattering spectrometry.•Non-invasive chemical imaging reveals lost polychromy and gilding of ancient ivories.•Discrimination between sediments and polychromy and differentiation of color shades.•Comparing ivories from known archaeological context and pieces from the art market.
ISSN:0039-9140
1873-3573
DOI:10.1016/j.talanta.2015.01.029