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The paper, published in Analytical and
Bioanalytical Chemistry, describes the application of laser Raman
microscopic non-destructive analysis to the molecular characterisation
of pigments and their binding media which formed a vital part of the
wider-ranging analytical investigation of the painting.
Crucially, materials identified in the Raman
spectroscopic study include the lead-based yellow pigment massicot,
which was effectively superseded by other yellow pigments after 1700,
and a vegetable-derived medium of a starch-based glue that was typical
of Renaissance practice.
Scientific molecular and elemental analyses of
paint specimens and their substrate from a Madonna and Child painting
have been undertaken in eight independent European analytical
laboratories and support historical and stylistic conclusions that are
consistent with the attribution of the work to the Renaissance period
– lasting between the 14th and 16th centuries.
Howell Edwards, Professor of Molecular Spectroscopy
and Head of the Division of Chemical and Forensic Sciences at the
University of Bradford, said: “From these analytical findings, I am
entirely confident that the tondo painting is consistent with an early,
pre-1700, Renaissance work."
Timothy Benoy, Honorary Secretary of The de Brecy
Trust, said: "The Trust is delighted to have confirmed that these
latest scientific techniques give further support to its views that
the Tondo is a work from the Renaissance period.” |
