A  Non-Destructive Characterization of a Crucifix by X-Ray Fluorescence and Digital Radiography

Anderson Gomes de Paula; Isis  Verona Nascimento da Silva Franzi; Josiane Emerich Cavalcante; Roberta Manon de Paula Sales Borges; Rafael Azevedo Fontenelle Gomes; Fernando Cordeiro Barbosa Gonçalves; Marcos Vinicius Vieira Coutinho; Davi Ferreira de Oliveira; Ricardo Tadeu Lopes

doi:10.5433/1679-0375.2025.v46.52849

A Non-Destructive Characterization of a Crucifix by X-Ray Fluorescence and Digital Radiography

Authors

Anderson Gomes de Paula Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5667-2872
Isis Verona Nascimento da Silva Franzi Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3022-4192
Josiane Emerich Cavalcante Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8005-1595
Roberta Manon de Paula Sales Borges Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6219-0717
Rafael Azevedo Fontenelle Gomes Instituto do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9022-8142
Fernando Cordeiro Barbosa Gonçalves Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8132-0441
Marcos Vinicius Vieira Coutinho Fundação Getulio Vargas https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0403-7049
Davi Ferreira de Oliveira Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2038-1480
Ricardo Tadeu Lopes Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7250-824X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5433/1679-0375.2025.v46.52849

Keywords:

sacred crucifix, X-ray fluorescence, digital radiography, historical pigments, heritage conservation

Abstract

This study analyzes an 18th/19th-century crucifix from the sacristy of the Church of Santa Luzia, Rio de Janeiro, through X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Digital Radiography (DR). The investigation aimed to identify the elemental composition of pigments and assess the structural condition of the sculpture. XRF revealed elements such as calcium, lead, and mercury, indicating historical pigments like calcium carbonate, lead white, and vermilion. The presence of lithopone and phthalocyanine materials introduced in the late 19th century suggests later repainting. DR imaging exposed structural issues including flaking, cracks, and hidden metallic components such as the halo, titulus crucis, and nails. Internal features like joints and fixations were also identified, enhancing understanding of fabrication and conservation needs. The results demonstrate the relevance of atomic techniques for cultural heritage preservation, providing essential data for conservation planning. The artwork belongs to the collection of IPHAN (Brazilian National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage).

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Author Biographies

Anderson Gomes de Paula, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Dr. Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory (LIN), Nuclear Engineering Program – COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Isis Verona Nascimento da Silva Franzi, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Dr. , Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory (LIN), Nuclear Engineering Program – COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Josiane Emerich Cavalcante, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

M.Sc., Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory (LIN), Nuclear Engineering Program – COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Roberta Manon de Paula Sales Borges, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

M.Sc., Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory (LIN), Nuclear Engineering Program – COPPE,
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Rafael Azevedo Fontenelle Gomes , Instituto do Patrimônio Histórico e Artístico Nacional

Master of Science from the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN), Brazil.

Fernando Cordeiro Barbosa Gonçalves , Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Master of Science from the School of Fine Arts at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Brazil.

Marcos Vinicius Vieira Coutinho , Fundação Getulio Vargas

Master of Science from the Graduate Program in History at the Getulio Vargas Foundation (PPHPBC/FGV), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Davi Ferreira de Oliveira , Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Professor, Ph.D., at the Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory of COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (LIN/COPPE/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Ricardo Tadeu Lopes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Professor, Ph.D., at the Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory of COPPE, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (LIN/COPPE/UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

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