The Adoration of the Magi by Artemisia Gentileschi analyzed with multispectral imaging and XRF technique

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jasrep.2024.104650
• Publication Date: 2024-06-28T01:14:38Z
• Authors: E. Scialla; J. Brocchieri; M. Merolle; P.M. Recchia; R. Della Rocca; A. D’Onofrio; C. Sabbarese
• Keywords: Adoration

The results of non-invasive diagnostic analyses the painting Adoration Magi by Artemisia Gentileschi are presented. It was created in 1630s to decorate choir Cathedral San Procolo Pozzuoli (Naples, Italy). Multispectral imaging at different wavelengths (VIS, IR and UV) X-ray fluorescence (XRF) were used. data integrated compared with art historical literature on Artemisia's activity, especially Naples after 1630. research aims identify artist's palette, materials used, including restoration, possible influence use color artists working time. This will enrich scientific details famous painter. UVF (ultraviolet induced visible fluorescence) images show darker areas surface, such as retouching, while image highlights dark outlines that could be traces brushstrokes painterly changes. XRF technique, together IRFC (infrared false color) imaging, suggested pigments used for paint preparatory layers. Calcium, strontium, lead iron identified main characteristic elements ground layer. Smalt various shades blue due presence cobalt combination based ultramarine blue, copper or white. Traces mercury detected red areas, suggesting vermilion other pigments. Antimony found yellow indicating yellow, a pigment known have been only when she worked Naples. Macro-XRF showed finger one hand made twice. In first version, detected, second, this element is present mercury. Titanium zinc indicate area investigated restored.