The use of a multi-method approach to identify the pigments in the 12th century manuscript Liber Floridus

A selection of illuminations of the 12th century manuscript Liber Floridus was analysed with Raman spectroscopy (in situ and laboratory measurements), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-fluorescence photography and infrared reflectography (IRR). The aim of this study is to determine the pigments used, in order to search for anachronisms. Using a combination of Raman spectroscopy (molecular information) and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (elemental information) following pigments could be identified: ultramarine (Na8–10Al6Si6O24S2–4), azurite (2CuCO3·Cu(OH)2), caput mortuum (Fe2O3), vermilion (HgS), orpiment (As2S3) and lead white (2PbCO3·Pb(OH)2). Moreover, two synthetic red pigments, PR4 and PR176, and a degradation product, gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O), were present in the manuscript. To establish the origin of the modern materials UV-fluorescence photography was used. Infrared reflectography (IRR) was applied to visualise the underdrawing of the investigated folios.

Graphical abstractExperimental set-op of (a) the Mobile Art Analyser (MArtA), (b) the Bruker Optics Senterra dispersive Raman spectrometer, (c) the EDAX Eagle III energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, (d) the UV-fluorescence camera and (e) the OSIRIS infrared camera.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A 12th century manuscript was analysed using a multi-method approach. ► Raman spectroscopy and XRF were used for pigment identification. ► To establish the origin of the modern materials UV-fluorescence photography is used. ► Infrared reflectography was applied to visualise the underdrawing of the folios.