Material Analyses
Maps’ pigments and dyes are being analysed using the equipment of the mobile laboratory at the Centre for the Study of Manuscript Cultures and the stationary instruments at the Institute of Mineralogy and Petrography, both University of Hamburg.
The requirement to use non-destructive analytical methods for the analysis of the colorants in the coloured maps limits the choice of methods to be used. The methods and techniques used in our project base upon experiences of non-invasive measurements used in archaeometry, in conservation and restoration, and in general in material sciences.
X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) and optical spectroscopy (VIS) provide information about major elements of a pigment (XRF) and colour components (VIS), respectively. Vibrational spectroscopy (Raman, infrared) can give additional insight into the materials used. In single cases, also minimal invasive X-ray diffraction (XRD) is applied on very few inorganic pigment grains to identify their nature.
To minimize possible damage during any transport of the delicate ancient maps, measurements take place predominantly at the collections of both project partners, Stiftung Hanseatisches Wirtschaftsarchiv and Commerzbibliothek, respectively, and Museum am Rothenbaum. Kulturen und Künste der Welt (MARKK).
Reference samples for pigments and dyes are available in the mineralogical, botanical, and zoological collections of the Centre of Natural History Hamburg (CeNak).
Principal Investigator:
Research Associate: