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Preliminary study of a Georgia O'Keeffe pastel drawing using XRF and μXRD

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 May 2016

Lynn B. Brostoff ,
Catherine I. Maynor  and
Robert J. Speakman
Lynn B. Brostoff
Affiliation:
Preservation Research and Testing Division, Library of Congress, 101 Independence Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20540, formerly Museum Conservation Institute, Smithsonian Institution
Catherine I. Maynor
Affiliation:
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Lunder Conservation Center, 750 9th St., N.W., Washington, DC 20013-7012
Robert J. Speakman
Affiliation:
Museum Conservation Institute, Smithsonian Institution, 4210 Silver Hill Rd., Suitland, Maryland 20746
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Abstract

X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) and micro-X-ray diffraction (μXRD) were used to analyze the composition of pigments on a pastel drawing, Special No. 32, by Georgia O’Keeffe. XRF analyses showed that, among other pigments present in the drawing, the red, orange, and yellow pigments may possibly be identified with lead- and chromium-based pigments: lead chromates, red and yellow lead oxides, and/or lead carbonates, plus calcium-based pastel fillers, such as whiting or gypsum. XRD examination of a sample removed from a dark mottled area of coral red pastel confirmed that this pigment layer, which is associated with a darkened appearance and high Pb:Cr ratios, matches the red lead oxide, minium (2PbO⋅PbO2).

Keywords

XRFXRDpastelpigmentred leadO'Keeffe
Type
X-Ray Fluorescence
Information
Powder Diffraction , Volume 24 , Special Issue 2 , June 2009 , pp. 116 - 123
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2009

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