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Evidence for Degradation of the Chrome Yellows in Van Gogh’s Sunflowers : A Study Using Noninvasive In Situ Methods and Synchrotron‐Radiation‐Based X‐ray Techniques
Author(s) -
Monico Letizia,
Janssens Koen,
Hendriks Ella,
Vanmeert Frederik,
Van der Snickt Geert,
Cotte Marine,
Falkenberg Gerald,
Brunetti Brunetto Giovanni,
Miliani Costanza
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
angewandte chemie international edition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.831
H-Index - 550
eISSN - 1521-3773
pISSN - 1433-7851
DOI - 10.1002/anie.201505840
Subject(s) - synchrotron radiation , synchrotron , painting , varnish , chemical composition , materials science , nuclear chemistry , chemistry , analytical chemistry (journal) , mineralogy , art , coating , art history , environmental chemistry , optics , physics , nanotechnology , organic chemistry
This paper presents firm evidence for the chemical alteration of chrome yellow pigments in Van Gogh’s Sunflowers (Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam). Noninvasive in situ spectroscopic analysis at several spots on the painting, combined with synchrotron‐radiation‐based X‐ray investigations of two microsamples, revealed the presence of different types of chrome yellow used by Van Gogh, including the lightfast PbCrO 4 and the sulfur‐rich PbCr 1− x S x O 4 ( x ≈0.5) variety that is known for its high propensity to undergo photoinduced reduction. The products of this degradation process, i.e., Cr III compounds, were found at the interface between the paint and the varnish. Selected locations of the painting with the highest risk of color modification by chemical deterioration of chrome yellow are identified, thus calling for careful monitoring in the future.