Development of a multi-method analytical approach based on the combination of synchrotron radiation X-ray micro-analytical techniques and vibrational micro-spectroscopy methods to unveil the causes and mechanism of darkening of “fake-gilded” decorations in a Cimabue painting

Abstract

Synchrotron radiation X-ray micro-analytical techniques and vibrational micro-spectroscopy methods were used to establish the factors and mechanism of darkening of “fake-gilded” decorations in the Maestà by Cimabue and aged paint mock-ups.