Analysis of pigments in polychromes by use of laser induced breakdown spectroscopy and Raman microscopy

Two laser-based analytical techniques, Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and Raman microscopy, have been used for the identification of pigm ents on a polychrome from the Rococo period. Detailed spectral data are pre sented from analyses performed on a fragment of a gilded altarpiece from th e church of Escatron, Zaragoza, Spain. LIBS measurements yielded elemental analytical data which suggest the presence of certain pigments and, in addi tion, provide information on the stratigraphy of the paint layers. Identifi cation of most pigments and of the materials used in the preparation layer was performed by Raman microscopy. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All right s reserved.