Molecular studies of asphalt, mummy and Kassel earth pigments (2004)

Title: Molecular studies of asphalt, mummy and Kassel earth pigments : their characterisation, identification and effect on the drying of traditional oil paint
Author: Georgiana M. Languri
University: University of Amsterdam
Year: 2004
Type of document: PhD thesis
Download: http://www.amolf.nl/... (pdf)
New link: http://dare.uva.nl/... (pdf)


From the Summary:

The organic black and brown pigments, asphalt, mummy and Kassel earth, are often used or claimed to have been used by painters in the 19th century. In particular paintings from the 19th century show paint defects that can be associated with these pigments. Examples of poor drying of the oil are observed as formation of premature cracks and phenomena, such as migration or sinking-in of layers. These phenomena are already reported in the contemporary literature, but they are also reported nowadays by conservators and restorers investigating 19th-century paintings. With all the indications about the negative influence of asphalt, Kassel earth and mummy pigments on the condition and aesthetic quality of the paintings, surprisingly little or no molecular evidence is so far available. What exactly are these pigments? Is it possible to identify them in painting samples? Are they the reason why the oil binding media dries so poorly? These are questions addressed in this dissertation.

Table of Contents (short version):

1. General introduction
2. Asphalt: Characterisation of molecular markers and biomarkers in the 19th-century Hafkenscheid asphalt pigment
3. Mummy: Characterisation of molecular markers and biomarkers in the 19th-century Hafkenscheid mummy pigment
4. Kassel earth: Characterisation of molecular markers and biomarkers in a series of Kassel earth pigments
5. On poorly drying 19th-century oil paints: reference, materials, model systems and paintings
Annex A. Mass Spectrometry as a micro-analytical method to study Kassel earth (Vandyke brown) pigments in oil paint
Annex B. Monitoring the effects of traditional 19th-century additives on the chemical drying of oil paint by Mass Spectrometry

In case you would like to share this publication, please acknowledge this source.