Characterization of a sacred statuette replica of "Nossa Senhora da Conceição Aparecida" using X-ray spectrometry techniques.

The pigments characterization in artwork and cultural heritage is important since it allows to reveal many information like the period characteristics in which the object was made, its provenance and its manufacturing technique. Furthermore, it can support in the identification of forgeries and in the evaluation of conservation and restoration interventions. In this work, it was used XRF, μXRF, XRD and Raman spectroscopy techniques in the characterization of a statuette of the "Nossa Senhora da Conceição Aparecida". The X-ray fluorescence analysis were performed in 66 points distributed throughout the piece, like in the wood structure, in the ground layer and on the pigment layer. In addition, elemental mapping was performed using the X-ray micro fluorescence (μXRF) technique in a small fragment, containing both the pigment and the ground layer. The X-ray diffraction analyzes were performed on the ground layer material and the Raman spectroscopy was performed in order to improve the evaluation of the data and assist in the characterization of the ground and the pigment layers. The results show that the major elements in the pigment were Fe and Mn, indicating that it's probably the Burnt Sienna pigment. The XRD and Raman analysis show that the substrate layer was made by calcium carbonate (calcite) and a binder material (probably rabbit glue). • The study and characterizations of the pigments, ground layer and structure of an statuette. • Pigment characterization by XRF techniques. • Pigment and ground layer characterization by the Raman spectrometry technique. • Assist the restauration team to decide the best way to preserve and restore the statuette. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]