'To prepare white excellent...': reconstructions investigating the influence of washing, grinding and decanting of stack-process lead white on pigment composition and particle size

摘要: Historical recipes describe several refining methods to improve the quality of lead white, usually by grinding or washing with water and/or vinegar. Processing also include decanting (particle size separation based on gravita- tional sedimentation speed). This paper reports reconstructions such processing using historically accurate materials and techniques. Particle through gravitational is easy accomplish. The frac- tion thus produced bears a close resemblance very fine grade white present in Vermeer's Art Painting (Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna). Lead generally considered be basic carbonate, but it consists neutral small amounts other salts. X-ray diffraction pigments techniques shows that all reconstructed influence ratio favouring formation carbonate.