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Microchemical analysis of Leonardo da Vinci's lead white paints reveals knowledge and control over pigment scattering properties.

ABSTRACT: Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) is a key artistic and scientific figure of the Renaissance. He is renowned for his science of art, taking advantage of his acute observations of nature to achieve striking pictorial results. This study describes the analysis of an exceptional sample from one of Leonardo's final masterpieces: The Virgin and Child with St. Anne (Musée du Louvre, Paris, France). The sample was analyzed at the microscale by synchrotron-based hyperspectral photoluminescence imaging and high-angular X-ray diffraction. The results demonstrate Leonardo's use of two subtypes of lead white pigment, thus revealing how he must have possessed a precise knowledge of his materials; carefully selecting them according to the aesthetical results he aimed at achieving in each painting. This work provides insights on how Leonardo obtained these grades of pigment and proposes new clues regarding the optical and/or working properties he may have tried to achieve.

SUBMITTER: Gonzalez V

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7730476 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Microchemical analysis of Leonardo da Vinci's lead white paints reveals knowledge and control over pigment scattering properties.

Gonzalez Victor V Hageraats Selwin S Wallez Gilles G Eveno Myriam M Ravaud Elisabeth E Réfrégiers Matthieu M Thoury Mathieu M Menu Michel M Gourier Didier D

Scientific reports 20201210 1

Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519) is a key artistic and scientific figure of the Renaissance. He is renowned for his science of art, taking advantage of his acute observations of nature to achieve striking pictorial results. This study describes the analysis of an exceptional sample from one of Leonardo's final masterpieces: The Virgin and Child with St. Anne (Musée du Louvre, Paris, France). The sample was analyzed at the microscale by synchrotron-based hyperspectral photoluminescence imaging and h ...[more]

PMID: 33303851

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Project description:Lead (Pb) is added to automotive paints to prevent corrosion on metallic surfaces, for decorative colours, and for reflective properties to heighten visibility, and enhanced drying time, and durability. However, there are substitutes for all of these applications and Pb is highly toxic to human health and the environment. Through concerted efforts, leaded gasoline was phased out and currently, the focus is on lead-based paints. Leaded automotive paint used for spray painting activities often conducted in close proximity to human habitation raises public health concerns over possible exposure. This study was therefore undertaken to assess Pb levels in automotive paints frequently used by informal spray painters. A total of thirty-two (n = 32) cans of automotive paints were purchased in 4 sets of red, blue, green and white colours from eight formal and informal retail shops. Lead levels in the paint samples were analyzed in triplicates using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. All the automotive paints from the informal retail shops had Pb levels that ranged from 220 to 2740 ppm, and exceeded the regulatory limit of 90 ppm. The blue paint from the informal store had the highest Pb levels which were 30 times of the set limit. On the contrary, the paints from the formal stores had significantly (p < 0.05) lower Pb levels that ranged from 80.7 to 580 ppm than those of the informal stores. Although only one paint sample from the former retail shop had Pb levels within the limit. In general, the elevated Pb levels in automotive paints that are used in an unregulated environment are potential sources of exposure and environmental contamination. The study urgently calls for enforcement of the regulatory limits and comprehensive Pb exposure assessments in this sector. Graphical abstract Sanding and scraping of automotive painted surfaces could be a great source of exposure and environmental contamination.Image 1 Highlights • The retail shops sold automotive paints to the informal spray painters.• Automotive paints from informal shops had Pb levels that ranged from 220 to 2740 ppm.• Paints from the formal stores had significantly (p < 0.05) low Pb levels (range 80.7–580 ppm).

Dataset Information

Microchemical analysis of Leonardo da Vinci's lead white paints reveals knowledge and control over pigment scattering properties.

Publications

Microchemical analysis of Leonardo da Vinci's lead white paints reveals knowledge and control over pigment scattering properties.

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