Pigments and Brush Strokes: Investigating the Painting Techniques Using MA-XRF and Laser Profilometry

Abstract

To enhance the deep understanding of artists’mindset and technical practices the detailed characterization of paintings require the net of brushstrokes on the surface to be considered as informative. Laser profilometry is being coupled with a macro x-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) device as a non-destructive, non-invasive, portable tool for such an investigation. A set of different brushstrokes was surveyed by testing the necessary sampling conditions and verifying the compatibility with the MA-XRF working conditions. Eight different surveyed sample brushstrokes proved to be clearly informative of a variety of features useful to characterize the gesturality of the artist’s hand.