Identification of art works
The development of ultrasensitive techniques in analytical chemistry has facilitated the use of trace element composition as a tool in art identification. One of the most versatile techniques is neutron activation analysis applied to the study of paint pigments (for example - lead white). The results of these studies indicate that trace element distribution patterns may be useful in providing information relating to the general region of origin as well as the age of the paintings in which the pigments occur.
Photo shows the painting Greeting of the Magi attributed to the Rubens School. The results of investigation of trace elements content in lead white and priming ground obtained by means of instrumental reactor neutron activation analysis (IRNAA) have confirmed the prior suppositions of some art historians in relation to authenticity of this work of art.
in Polish
