X-ray fluorescence analysis of yellow pigments in altarpieces by Valencianartists of the XV and XVI centuries

XRF analysis has allowed a quick and precise detection and identification o f the inorganic elements that compose the yellow pigments in altarpieces of the XV and XVI centuries painted by the Valencian artists Miguel Alcaniz, Vicente Macip, Juan de Juanes, Hernando Yanez de la Almedina and Hernando L lanos. The analyses have been carried out with an XRF portable system that consists of a tube of X-rays and detectors of Si(Li) and cadmium zinc tellu ride. This system has enabled a non-aggressive and non-destructive analysis of many pieces at the Museo de Bellas Artes of Valencia (Spain). Among the yellow pigments we have identified a pigment composed by lead and tin oxid es named lead-tin yellow (Pb2SnO4), frequently used in European paintings f rom the XIV century until the first half of the XVIII century. This fact de monstrates the influence of elements and pictorial techniques from Europe t o the region of Valencia. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserve d.