Investigation of multilayer painting by means of molecular spectroscopy

The study of paintings' layer structure under microscope was implemented in the early XX century; since that time method of cross-section preparation as well as composition of embedded materials changed and capabilities of optical microscopy broadened. Nevertheless, until recently cross-sections were prepared only for analysis of paintings' layer-specific structure, morphological and technological features, tracks of restoration treatments. Examination of chemical composition required additional sampling as well as division of these samples layer by layer in order to determine pigments and binding media; these procedures didn't always lead to proper results. Micro-Raman and micro-FTIR spectroscopy allow carrying out investigation of painting cross-sections without any additional preliminary sampling; this is shown on example of investigation of a number of paintings.