Illuminated manuscripts are hand-written, elaborately decorated books made from animal skin. Forensic analysis of the pigments and parchment used in their production can help to establish both authenticity and historical origin. This collaborative effort between Art History and Chemistry departments presents one such characterization for two illuminated manuscripts from the 15th and 16th centuries. Pigment analysis was performed via confocal Raman microscopy and parchment analysis was performed via MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. These techniques were chosen for their non-invasive and non-damaging properties. The results of this characterization have confirmed the manuscripts’ dating and will assist in their proper preservation.

Spectroscopic and spectrometric analysis of two illuminated manuscripts from the 15th and 16th centuries

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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