The article explores the unique palette used in a Portuguese painting from the 17th century. The painting, “The Descent from the Cross” by Pedro Nunes, showcases a rich array of pigments, including green earth and orange arsenic sulphide, which are distinctive to Portuguese art of that era.
The study involved in-depth analysis of the paint layers to identify the specific pigments used by Nunes. Various techniques such as scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX) and micro-Raman spectroscopy were employed to characterise the pigments. The analysis revealed the presence of lead-white, ochre, vermilion, verdigris, smalt, azurite, and red lake derived from brazilwood and cochineal in the painting.
Furthermore, the research delved into the mineralogy of pigments like green earth and smalt, shedding light on their composition and origin. The study also highlighted the use of advanced analytical methods such as high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode-array and mass spectrometry detectors (HPLC-DAD-MS) to analyse red lake dyestuffs present in the painting.
Overall, the article provides valuable insights into the artistic techniques and materials used by Pedro Nunes in creating “The Descent from the Cross,” emphasising the influence of Italian Mannerist style on Portuguese art. The meticulous analysis of pigments and the innovative analytical approaches employed contribute to a deeper understanding of historical painting practices and the cultural exchange between different artistic traditions.
