Identification by Raman microscopy and visible reflectance spectroscopy of pigments on an Icelandic manuscript

Abstract

AbstractAbstractThe pigments used on the Skard copy of the Icelandic Jónsbók law code (Skarðsbók c. 1360) have been analyzed non–destructively, in situ, by Raman microscopy and reflectance spectroscopy. In all, three historiated initials and c. 15 illuminated initials with associated background painting and embellishments have been examined. Six pigments have been identified by Raman microscopy on the folios studied: vermilion, orpiment, realgar, red ochre, azurite and bone white. The pigment(s) responsible for various other green and blue colours have not been identified unambiguously, although the diffuse reflectance spectra of the lighter green and blue pigments appear to derive from verdigris or variants thereof The darker green colours are based on verdigris, possibly mixed with green earth. Neither red lead nor lead white was identified on the manuscript; it is not clear whether this is due to stylistic preferences on the part of the illuminator or to the unavailability of these pigments at the time of production of the manuscript.