Raman spectroscopy for art and cultural heritage
Renishaw's Raman instruments have been involved in numerous investigations of cultural items, including, the Holy (Turin) Shroud, the Vinland map and a Chagall painting. In these, the ability to determine age and authenticity were vital.
Incredibly versatile
Renishaw's Raman systems can:
- analyse pigments and lacquers used in paintings, frescos, murals, and tapestries
- identify inks used in manuscripts, scrolls, maps and books
- investigate gemstones and minerals from cultural artefacts
- determine the constituents of papers, cloths and substrates
- determine authenticity and age by analysing the chemical nature of inks, pigments and lacquers
Preserve samples
Raman analysis is non-contacting and non-destructive, so you preserve your entire sample. You can take measurements in situ so there is no need to remove fragments for analysis.
Identify pigments and paints with Raman microscopy
You can identify pigments and paints by searching for matching Raman spectra in spectral libraries and databases. WiRE™ software's Spectrum Search tool can be used with Renishaw's spectral libraries. Alternatively, you can create your own libraries or import third-party databases.
Raman spectra and microscope images from an acrylic painting illustrating a variety of modern pigments. Good spectral matches were found using a freely available spectral library.
Analyse large samples
Large samples are no problem for Renishaw's Raman systems. If you can move your sample to an instrument, dedicated accessories, such as the flexible sampling arm, provide optimal sampling conditions. If you wish to house large items directly under the microscope, then our free-space microscopes will be of interest. You can customise our Raman systems and provide the right conditions for your analysis.
(A) The Virsa™ Raman analyser examining a peacock fresco from Pompeii, at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, UK. (B) The peacock fresco with areas highlighted for Raman analysis. (C), (d) and (E) Labelled Raman spectra and optical images from specific regions of the fresco.
Analyse remotely
If your sample is too delicate or is immobile, we have a solution. With the Virsa™ Raman analyser, you can bring in-situ Raman analysis to your sample.
We're here when you need us
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