Characterization and Degradation Analysis of Pigments in Paintings by Martiros Sarian: Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic Imaging and X-ray Fluorescence Approach

Abstract

This paper presents a preliminary scientific investigation of pigments used by Martiros Sarian, a prominent Armenian artist known for his vibrant and evocative paintings. The study focuses on five of Sarian’s paintings from different periods of his career, namely, Morning in Stavrino, Arabian Dancer, Caravan, Yerevan Zangu River, and Kirovakan, dated between 1909 and 1948. Non-destructive techniques, including micro-attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopic imaging and X-ray fluorescence (XRF), were employed to characterize the pigments in the samples extracted from these paintings. The results reveal the presence of various pigments, including ultramarine blue, cobalt blue, cobalt cerulean blue, viridian, emerald green, cobalt green, celadonite green, cadmium yellow, chrome yellow, Venetian red, yellow ochre, red ochre, lead white, zinc white, and calcium carbonate. Additionally, metal carboxylates and oxalates, degradation products associated with the paint layers, were observed and discussed. The findings contribute to a better understanding of Sarian’s artistic technique and provide valuable insights for the conservation and restoration of his artworks.

Keywords

• Martiros Sarian
• painting
• micro-attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopic imaging
• X-ray fluorescence (XRF)
• pigments
• carboxylates