Alla ricerca dei materiali pittorici: le analisi non invasive

The Rosselli Missal has been the object of an interdisciplinary study with non-invasive techniques (FORS, fluorimetry, XRF spectrometry, optical microscopy, eZooMS, IR photography) aiming at the identification of the colourants used for its decoration. The full set of colourants was identified, with a particular focus on the evidences of different hands at work and on the geographic provenance of the colourants themselves. The results highlighted the systematic use of precious pigments such as lapis lazuli, cinnabar, gold and silver, reinforcing the symbolic value of the manuscript. Less valuable but interesting dyes such as brasilwood an d folium, used either pure or in a mixture with pigments in order to obtain a wide range of hues, were also identified. The palettes used by the various artists were considered with relation to the geographic area around Avignon, finding that many of the colourants were at easy disposal of the artists. Information concerning the preparation of the parchment and its animal source was also obtained: calf and goat were used to produce the parchment of the Missal by at least two different working techniques.