Gilding Analysis of the Decorative Paintings of Emperor D. Pedro II’s Berlin Device
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5433/1679-0375.2023.v44.47985Keywords:
archaeometry, gilding, imperial carriage, XRF, MA-XRF, 19th centuryAbstract
Emperor D. Pedro II’s berlin device is a very important museological object for the history of Brazil. It was the most imposing imperial vehicle of the entire Brazilian monarchic period, related not only to the image of Emperor D. Pedro II but also to the entire Second Reign. The berlin was commissioned for the coronation ceremony of D. Pedro II in 1841 and belongs to the Imperial Museum collection, located in the city of Petrópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. In this work, the gold gilding technique used in the decorative paintings of the berlin was analyzed. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Macro X-Ray Fluorescence (MA-XRF) techniques were applied for gilding analysis. All analyses were performed in situ using portable equipment. XRF measurements performed on the gold leaves revealed the presence of the key element chromium. The combined {results} of the analytical techniques used indicated the possible use of a mordant containing chromium yellow as an oil-based size to adhere to gold leaves in the decorative paintings. The result found is in line with that described in the literature.
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Copyright (c) 2023 Raysa C. Nardes, Francis A. C. R. A. Sanches, Ramon S. Santos, Hamilton Gama Filho, Renato P. Freitas, Davi F. Oliveira, Joaquim T. Assis, Eliane M. Zanatta, Marcelino J. Anjos
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