A study of “The Portrait of F.P. Makerovsky in a Masquerade Costume” by Dmitry Levitsky from the collection of the State Tretyakov Gallery

Abstract

This paper reports on activities carried out as part of a pre-conservation studies of the painting by Dmitry Levitsky, “The Portrait of F.P. Makerovsky in a Masquerade Costume” (1789, the State Tretyakov Gallery). Samples were taken and prepared for further study within the following algorithm. Using optical microscopy of cross-sections of the samples taken, structural elements of layered compositions were revealed and external differences between them were established. X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy was used to evaluate the elemental composition of the painting surface and cross-sections of samples. Scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy was used to clarify the elemental composition of each of the structural elements of the samples taken, their submicro- and microdimensional inclusions, to map the distribution of chemical elements over the studied surface, and to determine the dispersion of organic and inorganic components contained in the material. Micro-FTIR was used to identify functional groups and to determine the main classes of inorganic compounds, as well as binders, used, including in the local analysis of micro-inclusions. The list of specific chemical compounds in the composition of the studied paint layers and grounds, which included an examination of the varnish coating, was determined with micro-Raman spectroscopy using data obtained by the above methods. As a result of the study, complementary information was obtained on the chemical composition of the inorganic components used, of the binder and of the varnish coating, which is required for further conservation of this work of art.