Alba Alvarez Martin unpaid staff

Research Alba Alvarez Martin

Research team

Expertise

My research is focussed on studying the degradation of historical organic pigments used in oil paintings. These complex pigments are metal-dye clusters that change their conformation over time. In addition, these clusters can interact with other components in oil paint leading to the gradual loss in vibrancy of the original colour. These chemical changes can be monitored by using a combination of spectroscopic and high-resolution mass spectrometry techniques. The ground-breaking aspect of my research is the unique approach of micro-destructive techniques to drastically improve our understanding of the molecular fragmentation pathways of organic pigments and expose their triggers.

Analytical Research on toxic materials in the ethnographic collection [of the Royal Museum for Central Africa] to obtain knowledge about handling and preservation of the collection (EPITOX#2). 01/01/2022 - 31/12/2031

Abstract

The purpose of this project is to perform a systematic survey of the objects in the collection of the Africa Museum (Tervuren, Brussels) for the presence of inorganic and organic toxic substances. This information will be highly relevant for the museum with the aim of handling and preserving their collection in an optimal and sustainable manner.

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  • Research Project

MALDI-MS imaging a new tool and research line for conservation science of painted works of art. 01/04/2022 - 31/03/2023

Abstract

From the moment an artist completes an oil painting, spontaneous and unwanted chemical transformations can lead to the gradual loss of brightness and intensity of the original color. Even van Gogh reported the color change of few of his paintings shortly after being finished. Therefore, to understand the original palette used by van Gogh a full characterization of all materials used in his paintings is required. For this aim, impressive advances have been made regarding the identification of inorganic pigments by mobile spectroscopic instruments and synchrotron radiation. However, the detection of organic pigments by spectroscopic techniques remains one of the main challenges due to the scarcity of the original pigments and their degradation products. Furthermore, traditional separation techniques coupled to mass spectrometry (MS) require the destruction of the distribution pattern of the pigment within the sample (e.g. liquid or gas chromatography-MS) . Hence, we propose to use Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization – Mass Spectrometry Imaging (MALDI-MSI) to visualize the spatial distribution of organic pigments without extraction, purification and separation of the sample. In this research proposal we will optimize an appropriate methodological approach with the final goal to analyse real samples from van Gogh paintings provided by the Van Gogh and the Kröller-Müller museums. This KP proposal aims to exploit for first time the application of MALDI-MSI on the detection of organic pigments in oil paints. This new collaborative initiative between the Antwerp X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy laboratory and the Centre for Proteomics will open new opportunities for future analysis not only focused on the analysis of organic pigments but also of other organic artistic materials such as oils, varnishes or waxes.

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  • Research Project

Unravelling Discoloration Mechanisms of Red Organic Pigments in Historical Art Works (RED-OPEN). 01/09/2021 - 01/10/2022

Abstract

An important issue encountered in the historical artworks is the fading of the original colors because of their strong light sensitivity, infamously leading to the discoloration of masterworks even within an artist's lifetime. This phenomenon is clearly evidenced in many paintings of 19th century European impressionist artists, such as van Gogh, in particular when Organic Red Pigments (ORP) have been used. The identification of these ORP in historical paintings remains a main challenge because of (1) the generally low concentration of the original pigment remaining after an aging period of ca. 100 years, (2) the scarcity of the paint micro samples available for analysis and the difficulty of obtaining additional ones and (3) the complexity of degradation behavior in the presence of oxygen, inorganic semiconductor pigments, binding media or varnish. The objective of the RED-OPEN project is to develop a multi-analytical approach based on mass spectrometry and spectroscopic techniques (A) to understand their discoloration mechanism and (B) to identify their breakdown products, even if the original molecules are no longer present in the artworks. The successful completion of RED-OPEN will have a major impact in the understanding of the original artwork's appearance and will provide comprehensive and detailed knowledge of the progressive changes throughout the painting's history. RED-OPEN will generate knowledge that will help conservators and conservation scientists to understand the causes of discoloration and formulate mitigating actions, preserving invaluable art for future generations and further proposing a digital reconstruction of its originally intended appearance.

Researcher(s)

Research team(s)

Project type(s)

  • Research Project