Azurite in medieval illuminated manuscripts: a reflection-FTIR study concerning the characterization of binding media
Abstract In illuminated manuscripts, a reliable identification of oxyanion pigments such as azurite by rFTIR is simple, as several combination and overtone bands are strongly enhanced compared to transmission mode. However, the characterization of the used binding media is rather difficult, as the a...
| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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SpringerOpen
2019-04-01
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| Series: | Heritage Science |
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| Online Access: | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40494-019-0262-1 |
| _version_ | 1818309982845665280 |
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| author | Wilfried Vetter Irene Latini Manfred Schreiner |
| author_facet | Wilfried Vetter Irene Latini Manfred Schreiner |
| author_sort | Wilfried Vetter |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract In illuminated manuscripts, a reliable identification of oxyanion pigments such as azurite by rFTIR is simple, as several combination and overtone bands are strongly enhanced compared to transmission mode. However, the characterization of the used binding media is rather difficult, as the analysis of four medieval manuscripts from the late thirteenth to the fifteenth century (e.g. Cod. slav. 8 in the collection of the Austrian National Library), as well as the earliest known map of Vienna (Albertinischer Plan from 1421, Wien Museum) showed. According to the literature, mainly glair (egg white) and plant gums were applied as binding media for azurite. Moreover, both were used in many cases also as “varnishes” in order to improve optical and mechanical properties of the paint layer. In order to assess the possibilities and to distinguish between proteinaceous and carbohydrate binders, mock-ups with azurite were prepared on parchment support with various quantities of binders. Additionally, some of the specimen were varnished using the binders mentioned above. Furthermore, mock-ups on aluminium foil were prepared to evaluate the influence of the support on the reflection spectra. The results showed that the binding medium content in the mock-ups usually was too low for a reliable determination by rFTIR (except the ones with the highest contents), whereas it was possible to characterize the varnish materials. Only an insignificant influence of the support on the spectra from the mock-ups was observed. However, the spectra obtained from three manuscripts suggested a certain influence of the parchment support, which indicates thinner paint layers. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-13T07:38:49Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-aca170b2dd4d42dda5d37c810ac1a9d1 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2050-7445 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-13T07:38:49Z |
| publishDate | 2019-04-01 |
| publisher | SpringerOpen |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Heritage Science |
| spelling | doaj.art-aca170b2dd4d42dda5d37c810ac1a9d12022-12-21T23:55:00ZengSpringerOpenHeritage Science2050-74452019-04-01711910.1186/s40494-019-0262-1Azurite in medieval illuminated manuscripts: a reflection-FTIR study concerning the characterization of binding mediaWilfried Vetter0Irene Latini1Manfred Schreiner2Institute of Science and Technology in Art, Academy of Fine Arts ViennaInstitute of Science and Technology in Art, Academy of Fine Arts ViennaInstitute of Science and Technology in Art, Academy of Fine Arts ViennaAbstract In illuminated manuscripts, a reliable identification of oxyanion pigments such as azurite by rFTIR is simple, as several combination and overtone bands are strongly enhanced compared to transmission mode. However, the characterization of the used binding media is rather difficult, as the analysis of four medieval manuscripts from the late thirteenth to the fifteenth century (e.g. Cod. slav. 8 in the collection of the Austrian National Library), as well as the earliest known map of Vienna (Albertinischer Plan from 1421, Wien Museum) showed. According to the literature, mainly glair (egg white) and plant gums were applied as binding media for azurite. Moreover, both were used in many cases also as “varnishes” in order to improve optical and mechanical properties of the paint layer. In order to assess the possibilities and to distinguish between proteinaceous and carbohydrate binders, mock-ups with azurite were prepared on parchment support with various quantities of binders. Additionally, some of the specimen were varnished using the binders mentioned above. Furthermore, mock-ups on aluminium foil were prepared to evaluate the influence of the support on the reflection spectra. The results showed that the binding medium content in the mock-ups usually was too low for a reliable determination by rFTIR (except the ones with the highest contents), whereas it was possible to characterize the varnish materials. Only an insignificant influence of the support on the spectra from the mock-ups was observed. However, the spectra obtained from three manuscripts suggested a certain influence of the parchment support, which indicates thinner paint layers.http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40494-019-0262-1Illuminated manuscriptsNon-invasiveReflection-FTIRAzuriteBinding mediumGlair |
| spellingShingle | Wilfried Vetter Irene Latini Manfred Schreiner Azurite in medieval illuminated manuscripts: a reflection-FTIR study concerning the characterization of binding media Heritage Science Illuminated manuscripts Non-invasive Reflection-FTIR Azurite Binding medium Glair |
| title | Azurite in medieval illuminated manuscripts: a reflection-FTIR study concerning the characterization of binding media |
| title_full | Azurite in medieval illuminated manuscripts: a reflection-FTIR study concerning the characterization of binding media |
| title_fullStr | Azurite in medieval illuminated manuscripts: a reflection-FTIR study concerning the characterization of binding media |
| title_full_unstemmed | Azurite in medieval illuminated manuscripts: a reflection-FTIR study concerning the characterization of binding media |
| title_short | Azurite in medieval illuminated manuscripts: a reflection-FTIR study concerning the characterization of binding media |
| title_sort | azurite in medieval illuminated manuscripts a reflection ftir study concerning the characterization of binding media |
| topic | Illuminated manuscripts Non-invasive Reflection-FTIR Azurite Binding medium Glair |
| url | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40494-019-0262-1 |
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