Efficiency of combined MA-XRF and CXRF to give nondestructive insights about changes of a historical painting

Abstract Historical paintings with important iconographical changes represent an analytical challenge. Considering the case study of a fifteenth-century French painting studied during its restoration, efficiency combined noninvasive approach two-dimensional scanning macro-X-ray fluorescence imaging (MA-XRF) and laboratory-based depth-resolved confocal micro-X-ray (CXRF) is discussed. Large chemical maps several elements were obtained by MA-XRF, enabling identification zones interest representing in composition. In these areas, depth profiles measured CXRF, allowing to evidence overlaying paint layers. The advantages this technique are that it can give direct information on stratigraphy layers nondestructive way reduce sampling needed, as well increase locations analyzed (in our twenty-two scans). These results complement electron microscopy coupled energy-dispersive X-ray analyzing system (SEM–EDX) three cross-sectional samples taken areas interest. Additionally, cross sections CXRF lateral scans (y) order evaluate analyses against SEM–EDX. shows benefits combination MA-XRF for compositions, such high number would have been impossible sample. From art-historical conservation perspective, provides understanding original painting’s sequence later retouches, helping make informed treatment decisions. Graphic