This presentation details a technical analysis of an antique box, dating from 1886, containing historical paints and other art materials that was found in the Otterbein University Archives. This paint box is interesting to study because there are limited published studies of extant paint materials, especially from the United States, from this era. This period is characterized by a rapid growth in synthetic colorants and rise in paint manufacturers. Because prepared paint in paint tubes was a relatively new product, manufacturers had to determine new recipes, which sometimes used sub-standard materials. This study examines the composition of almost 30 paint tubes and colorants contained in the paint box. Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry are used to identify the colorants, while gas chromatography is used to characterize the binders.

Technical analysis of a late 19<sup>th</sup> century paint box

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Technical analysis of a late 19th century paint box

Technical analysis of a late 19^th century paint box