Raman spectroscopy analysis of pigments on Diego Velázquez paintings

Raman micro-spectroscopy has been used for the identification of the pigments used by the Spanish painter Diego Velázquez (1599–1650), considered one of the greatest painters in art history. The set of cross-sectional samples studied belongs to paintings of the Museo del Prado collection and correspond to the three known periods of the artist's activity. We have obtained information on the chemical composition and crystal structure of the pigments used for various colours. The results are consistent with previous elemental composition determined by other analytical methods.