Two Pathways for the Degradation of Orpiment Pigment (As 2 S 3 ) Found in Paintings
[1];
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[4];
- Conservation & Science Department, Rijksmuseum, Hobbemastraat 22, Amsterdam 1071 ZC, The Netherlands, Van’t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The Netherlands, AXIS Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Laboratory, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, Antwerp 2020, Belgium, Inorganic Chemistry & Catalysis, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science & Institute for Sustainable and Circular Chemistry, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, Utrecht 3584 CG, The Netherlands
- AXIS Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Laboratory, University of Antwerp, Groenenborgerlaan 171, Antwerp 2020, Belgium
- Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, 2575 Sand Hill Road, Menlo Park, California 94025, United States
- Inorganic Chemistry & Catalysis, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science & Institute for Sustainable and Circular Chemistry, Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, Utrecht 3584 CG, The Netherlands
- Conservation & Science Department, Rijksmuseum, Hobbemastraat 22, Amsterdam 1071 ZC, The Netherlands, Van’t Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, Amsterdam 1090 GD, The Netherlands
Paintings are complex objects containing many different chemical compounds that can react over time. The degradation of arsenic sulfide pigments causes optical changes in paintings. The main degradation product was thought to be white arsenolite (As2O3), but previous research also showed the abundant presence of As(V) species. In this study, we investigate the influence of the presence of a medium on the degradation mechanism of orpiment (As2S3) using synchrotron radiation (SR)-based tomographic transmission X-ray microscopy, SR-based micro-X-ray fluorescence, and Xray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy. Upon direct illumination of dry orpiment powder using UV–visible light, only the formation of As2O3 was observed. When As2S3 was surrounded by a medium and illuminated, As2O3 was only observed in the area directly exposed to light, while As(V) degradation species were found elsewhere in the medium. Without accelerated artificial light aging, As(V)(aq) species are formed and migrate throughout the medium within weeks after preparation. In both scenarios, the As(V) species form via intermediate As(III)(aq) species and the presence of a medium is necessary. As(V)(aq) species can react with available cations to form insoluble metal arsenates, which induces stress within the paint layers (leading to, e.g., cracks and delamination) or can lead to a visual change of the image of the painting.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Amsterdam Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences (The Netherlands)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES)
- Grant/Contract Number:
- AC02-76SF00515
- OSTI ID:
- 1970069
- Alternate ID(s):
- OSTI ID: 1971604
- Journal Information:
- Journal of the American Chemical Society, Journal Name: Journal of the American Chemical Society Vol. 145 Journal Issue: 16; ISSN 0002-7863
- Publisher:
- American Chemical SocietyCopyright Statement
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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