Raman microscopy (RM) and X-ray Fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) are important techniques commonly used for the identification of pigments and dyes on manuscripts, paintings, papyri, and other artifacts and are powerful tools to aid in the dating and authentication, conservation, and restoration of these objects. Thirteen portrait miniatures by William Wood (1769-1810) were analyzed using in situ, non-intrusive techniques including RM and XRF, UV and visible microscopy, and X-radiography. Wood made detailed ledger entries for over 1200 miniatures produced over a 15-year period using watercolor pigments on ivory. The goal of this Victoria and Albert Museum project was to identify the pigments on the miniatures and then cross-check the results with information given in the manuscripts to help decipher the numerical code Wood utilized to record which pigments he employed and to gain insight into the materials and techniques used to create portrait miniatures at the peak of their popularity.

Spectroscopic analysis of pigments in late 18th and early 19th century portrait miniatures by William Wood

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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