Analysis of photographs and photo-paintings by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy

A collection of Brazilian family photographs and photo-paintings from the beginning of the XX Century was analyzed by portable EDXRF (Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence) spectroscopy. The spectrometer uses a Si-drift Amptek detector and an Oxford Cr-tube or an Oxford W-tube. For every region under analysis, spectra obtained with the W-tube were used to detect all the elements above Al, while the Cr-tube was used to obtain more accurate results for elements between Al and V. Thirty nine elements were identified in the photos, and the origin of the most important ones was discussed. These results can be used for cataloging, preservation and restoring procedures. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.