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Identification Archeometria
of natural dyestuffs

IN HISTORICAL PAINT SAMPLES

Natural organic dyes can be found in many objects of cultural heritage. Identification of coloring substances
present in historical paints provides relevant information for a wide range of specialists involved in art science.
Determination of the composition of paints allows applying appropriate procedures for restoration and conserva-
tion of historical works of art. This information enables their renovation in accordance with the ideological and
esthetic decisions of the authors. The complexity of the chemical composition of art paints, which, apart from
organic dyes can also include inorganic pigments, binders and other additives, hinders isolation and identifica-
tion of its individual components. Nowadays, there are several analytical techniques and methods for extraction
and identification of organic dyes, each of them has its limitations, however. For that reason, the development of
the universal methodology for the analysis of colorant composition in art paints remains a challenge for chemists.

Keywords:

Natural dyes, Liquid chromatography, Mass spectrometry, Extraction procedure

ANALITYKA – NUMER 2, ROK (XVI) 2015 53