Characterization of Pictorial Materials of Two 18th Century Sculptures: King David and Bathsheba

Characterization of Pictorial Materials of Two 18th Century Sculptures: King David and Bathsheba

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5433/1679-0375.2023.v44.47972

Keywords:

archaeometry, X-ray fluorescence, raman spectroscopy, baroque sculpture

Abstract

In this {work}, the X-ray fluorescence technique was employed to characterize the pictorial materials used in two sculptures from the 18th. In addition, Raman spectroscopy was used to characterize the preparation layers used in the sculptures. {The analyzed sculptures} are carved in wood, with gilding and polychrome, and represent the biblical characters, Bathsheba, and King David. The sculptures are property of the Church of \textit{Nossa Senhora do Pilar}, in Duque de Caxias, RJ. XRF {analyzes} were performed using a portable ED-XRF system, which has a low-power X-ray tube (Amptek) with a silver target (Ag) and an SDD detector (Amptek). Raman spectroscopy {analyzes} were performed using the DXR2 Raman microscopy equipment (Thermo Fisher Scientific) with a 785 nm laser source. The results obtained from the XRF and Raman spectroscopy techniques suggest the presence of Gypsum, Calcite, Calcium Sulfate. In addition, the results obtained suggest the presence of the following pigments in the sculptures: Lead white, Titanium White, Lithopone, Ochre, Vermilion, Red Lead and gilding with gold leaf. The studies also showed that the Bathsheba sculpture was probably subjected to some processes of chromatic reintegration over the years due to the heterogeneity of pigments found in the same region

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Author Biographies

Francis A. C. R. A. Sanches, State University of Rio de Janeiro - UERJ

PhD Student, Dept. of Applied Physics and Thermodynamics, UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil 

Raysa C. Nardes, State University of Rio de Janeiro - UERJ

Dr., Dept. of Applied Physics and Thermodynamics, UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil 

Ramon S. dos Santos, State University of Rio de Janeiro - UERJ

Dr., Department of Applied Physics and Thermodynamics UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil

Roberta G. Leitão, State University of Rio de Janeiro - UERJ

Dr., Dept. of Applied Physics and Thermodynamics, UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil 

Catarine C. G. Leitão, State University of Rio de Janeiro - UERJ

Dr., Dept. of Applied Physics and Thermodynamics, UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil 

Joaquim T. Assis, Polytechnic Institute - IPRJ/UERJ

Dr. Prof., Polytechnique Institute, Nova Friburgo, RJ, Brazil 

Elanie T. de Gusmão, D'Gusmão Conservação e Restauração de obras de arte

Msc., D'Gusmão Conservação e Restauração de obras de arte, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil 

Ricardo T. Lopes, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ

Dr. Prof., Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory, COPPE / UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil 

Davi F. de Oliveira, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro - UFRJ

Dr. Prof., Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory, COPPE / UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil 

Marcelino J. dos Anjos, State University of Rio de Janeiro - UERJ

Dr. Prof., Dept. of Applied Physics and Thermodynamics, UERJ, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil 

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Published

2023-11-13

How to Cite

Sanches, F. A. C. R. A., Nardes, R. C., Santos, R. S. dos, Leitão, R. G., Leitão, C. C. G., Assis, J. T., … Anjos, M. J. dos. (2023). Characterization of Pictorial Materials of Two 18th Century Sculptures: King David and Bathsheba. Semina: Ciências Exatas E Tecnológicas, 44, e47972. https://doi.org/10.5433/1679-0375.2023.v44.47972

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Section

Archaeometry (special section)

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