Possibilities of spatially-resolved energy dispersive inelastic X-ray scattering (EDIXS) spectroscopy for painting characterization

Abstract

Cultural heritage artworks, and in particular paintings, are considered real treasures of humankind. This is why a proper characterization of a piece not only provides information regarding the artistic process of its conception but also a valuable tool for improving the conservation procedures. In this work Energy Dispersive Inelastic X-ray Scattering (EDIXS) spectroscopy with spatial resolution is used, for the first time, for the chemical-state characterization of copper-based paintings. The results show that this methodology can provide a new tool for the study of the chemical environment of an element under study present in a particular sample of interest in 2D (and even 3D) with even nanometric resolution. The EDIXS technique is presenting several advantages for this kind of studies, being of easy extension to several fields of cultural heritage research beyond paintings.