FTIR, Raman and XRF identification of the image materials in turn of the 20th century pigment-based photographs

► We studied accurate historic reconstructions and artworks dating from 1902 to 1904. ► FTIR and ATR in high image density areas allow to identify the organic colloid. ► FTIR and ATR in low image density areas allow to identify the substrate sizing. ► Raman and XRF analyses identify the pigments. ► IR, Raman and XRF combined are necessary to differentiate photographic processes.