Analysis of the constituent materials of 19th century paintings attributed to Louis-Auguste Moreaux belonging to the Historical Museum of Santa Catarina – Florianópolis, Brazil

Abstract

Abstract A series of five 19th century works of art, attributed to the French painter Louis-Auguste Moreaux, were the object of historical research and materials analysis with the objective of safeguarding these pieces of cultural heritage. The paintings were analyzed using imaging through UV-induced visible luminescence, FTIR, EDS and GC–MS. The images obtained by scientific documentation demonstrated the repaintings of two paintings (P01 and P05), with areas of luminescence indicating that they have undergone posterior interventions. FTIR analysis showed the paintings were produced using oil-based binder and pigments containing sulfates, carbonates, aluminosilicates, Prussian blue and iron oxides. EDS analysis showed the presence of Pb in all samples analyzed. In the areas containing blue pigment the presence of Fe, Na, Al, Si and S was observed and the black and earth tones showed mainly the presence of Fe. The GC–MS confirmed the presence of oil, and linseed and walnut oils were found to be the main binders used by the artist.