Applications of mass spectrometry in cultural heritage: identification of ligands employed for mordant gilding

Three different samples of gilding from wall paintings, from the Palazzo de lla Ragione in Padua, have been investigated by GC/MS analysis of their bas ic hydrolysis products obtained using trimethyl(alpha,alpha,alpha -trifluor o-m-tolyl)ammonium hydroxide (TMTFTH). The method employed allowed the iden tification of the mordant used for the paints, and consequently to distingu ish Menabuoi's original painting from the others produced by extensive rest orations. This was achieved by characterizing, among the hydrolysis product s, molecular species characteristic of natural resins, siccative oils and w axes, Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.