Analysis of Limoges painted enamels from the 16th to 19th centuries by using a portable micro x‐ray fluorescence spectrometer

Material analysis of Limoges painted enamels was undertaken by using an x‐ray fluorescence spectrometer equipped with a low‐power x‐ray tube, polycapillary x‐ray optics and a silicon drift chamber detector. The spectrometer, which includes helium purging for detecting elements down to sodium, can easily be assembled and dismantled within 1 h. A quantification method for enamel and glass objects was developed and verified using standard materials. The layer arrangement and possible influence on the XRF measurements were especially considered in theoretical calculations. Over 160 painted enamels from the late Renaissance and Revival periods in the 19th century in various collections were investigated. Comparison of the quantitative results from objects which are securely dated and attributed by art historians allowed a more reliable attribution of pieces with doubted authenticity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.