Non-destructive micro-Raman and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy on pre-Eyckian works of art - verification with the results obtained by destructive methods

The applicability of non-destructive techniques such as micro-X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, which reveals atomic composition, and fibre-coupled micro-Raman spectroscopy, which reveals molecular information, is explored on three pre-Eyckian works of art: a small shrine of Saint Ursula, two small panels depicting the Saints Arnulf, Godeleva, Livinus and Margaret and the relic holder with fragment of the veil of the Holy Virgin. The results are consistent with those obtained by destructive means - optical microscopy (OM), SEM-EDX and micro-Raman spectroscopy on embedded stratigraphic samples. In the case of multilayered paint, however, the results of the non-destructive techniques are difficult to interpret and much information about the original layers is lost. In those cases, non-destructive methods need to be supplemented by a limited number of stratigraphic samples, while the former - when well considered - limit the number of samples needed for a broad study. Copyright (C) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.