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1This sample was collected from the green-colored cushion on King Saul's throne before removal of the degraded surface coating. The red-brown ground contains iron oxides, calcium, and alumino-silicates (Fe, Ca, Al, Si, O, Mg, Mn); the upper ground layer contains more iron and manganese than the lower layer, indicating a higher concentration of earth colors/umbers in the second ground application. The presence of green earth particles was confirmed by the detection of high levels of silica (Si) and moderate to low levels of iron (Fe).<br/><br/><i>Top Left: Ultraviolet light/200x magnification; Top Right: BSE image/217x magnification; Bottom left and right: EDS elemental maps (Major Elements: Si, O, Ca, Al, Fe; Trace: K, S, Mg, Mn)</i>
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2This sample was collected from Abner's yellow ptergues (leather straps worn at the waist by Roman soldiers). The red-brown ground contains iron oxides, calcium, and alumino-silicates (Fe, Ca, Al, Si, O, Mg, Mn); the upper ground layer contains more iron and manganese than the lower layer, indicating a higher concentration of earth colors/umbers in the second ground application. The upper paint layers contain lead white (Pb) and yellow iron oxides (Fe, O). Top Left: Visible light/200x magnification;<br/><br/><i>Top Right: BSE image/399x magnification; Bottom left and right: EDS elemental maps (Major Elements: Si, O, Ca, Pb, Al, Fe; Trace: K, S, Mg, Mn)</i>
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3This sample was collected from the green-colored mountains in the distant background after removal of the overpaint and degraded surface coating. The red-brown ground contains iron oxides, calcium, and alumino-silicates (Fe, Ca, Al, Si, O, Mg, Mn). The paint layer contains lead white (Pb), earth colors (Fe, Si, O), and lead-antimonate (Pb, Sb). The presence of green earth particles was confirmed by the detection of high levels of silica (Si) and moderate to low levels of iron (Fe). A few yellow particles were found to contain lead and antimony (Pb, Sb) pointing towards the presence of Naples Yellow, however a large whitish agglomerate appeared to contain lead, antimony, and high levels of silica (Si). It may be that a range of lead-antimonate particles were used, with some possessing more of a "glassier" nature than others. Colored glass has been found in Italian Renaissance and Baroque paintings.<br/><br/><i>Top Left: Visible light/200x magnification; Top Right: BSE image/2124x magnification; Bottom left and right: EDS elemental maps (Major Elements: Si, O, Pb, Al, Ca, Fe; Trace: K, Mg, Sb)</i>
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4The red-brown ground contains iron oxides, calcium, and alumino-silicates (Fe, Ca, Al, Si, O, Mg, Mn). Multiple paint layers were found to contain lead-antimonate yellow (Pb, Sb), lead white (Pb), and earth colors (Fe, Si, O, Mn). The presence of phosphorous in the black paint layer indicates the presence of bone black (P). Images obtained using x-radiography confirmed that these colored paint layers beneath the black most likely correspond to a hidden figure that is present beneath the shield. Top Left: Visible light/200x magnification;<br/><br/><i>Top Right: BSE image/997x magnification; Bottom left and right: EDS elemental maps (Major Elements: Si, O, Pb, Al, Ca, Fe; Trace: K, Mg, Sb)</i>
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5Continued cleaning and consolidation on upper section of painting. Began consolidation and overpaint/varnish removal throughout top half of painting.
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12Continued cleaning and consolidation on upper half of painting. Significant portions of the sky and background architecture were found to be heavily overpainted (Pictured here: Ellen Nigro).
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13Removal of darkened, discolored overpaint and blanched varnish revealed a beautifully executed head depicting an older soldier.
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14Significant areas of blanched varnish were found covering sections of the flowers, particularly the green leaves that were painted using green earth or terre verte
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16Viewing the painting using oblique, raking light helps to illuminate areas that remain covered by the thick, glossy varnish and overpaint. In this image only Abner's head, neck, and clothing has been cleaned.
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18In normal visible light other details were noted during the cleaning process. Curious striations and patterns became visible throughout Abner's head and neck; upon closer inspection the team realized that the artist had made a significant change in this area of the composition. From the tiny losses in Abner's face it is possible to detect a cool, grey color coming from underlying paint layers. Read more in the Infrared Reflectography and X-Radiography sections.)
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20Conservators and scientists will occasionally collect tiny microscopic <a href="http://www.artcons.udel.edu/about/kress/examination-techniques-and-scientific-terms/cross-sectional-microscopy" target="_blank">samples</a> from artwork in order to obtain a better understanding of the object's restoration history as well as the original materials used by the artist(s). Samples are often taken in conspicuous areas, such as near regions of existing loss or even along outer edges of a composition. In the case of the <i>Triumph of David</i>, there were multiple old tears and losses scattered throughout the painting allowing for the collection of several paint samples. These samples are then embedded in a clear resin and polished smooth, giving a cross-section view of the paint layers from the ground up under high magnification.<br/><br/>Cross-sectional samples obtained from the "Triumph of David" were prepared by Kristen Watts and Dr. Amanda Norbutus from Villanova University's Chemistry Department. Samples were imbedded in Extec(R) polyester resin/ hardener (approximately 10/ 0.5 ml) and subsequently analyzed under high magnification using a Nikon Eclipse 80i Binocular Microscope (4x, 10x, and 20x objectives) with a Nikon X-cite(R) 120 Mercury Lamp for reflected ultraviolet light. Under ultraviolet light, the samples were viewed using a BV-2A cube (excitation wavelengths between 400 and 420/ 470 nm barrier filter). Digital images were obtained using the Digital Eclipse DXM 1200f Nikon Camera in conjunction with the Automatic Camera Tamer control software for PC systems.
