MA-XRPD: a novel method for the non-invasive analysis of cultural heritage artifacts

2 pm CEST

To avoid invasive analytical procedures on artworks, the use of non-invasive macroscopic imaging techniques is becoming more prevalent in the field of cultural heritage. For this purpose, a macroscopic X-ray powder diffraction (MA-XRPD) scanner, capable of visualizing crystalline compounds in a highly specific manner, was recently developed at the University of Antwerp. In this webinar, Steven De Meyer, a PhD student at the University of Antwerp, will highlight the possibilities and limitations of this method, along with several case studies that have contributed towards a better understanding of the original pigments used by the Old Masters and the manner in which those pigments have deteriorated over time.