Jo Kirby and David Saunders
Technical Bulletin Volume 25, 2004
Abstract
Prussian blue was the first totally modern synthetic pigment made as a product of a chemical reaction. The production of Prussian blue is described as difficult to control and may result in changes of colour in the final product. The chemistry of manufacture and structure of Prussian blue is discussed. Prussian blue is characterised as being inexpensive and intensely coloured and as having a high tinting strength. The presence of white pigments as an extender contributes to the permanence of the coloured paint film.
Samples of Prussian blue paint films from 18th- and 19th-century paint films were studied. Samples from paintings are compared to samples prepared in the laboratory. Differences between these samples are discussed. Experimental procedures studied colour change in samples of Prussian blue- and lead white-containing paint films in cold-pressed linseed oil and watercolour media exposed to light. Reversible colour change and redox reactions are addressed. The difference in paint media did not have an effect on the degree of colour change. It is noted that the presence of alumina as an extender in paint films increased the rate of fading when paint films were exposed to light. The mixtures of Prussian blue and white pigment had an increased effect on the colour change of the paint film when compared to paint films pigmented with Prussian blue alone.
Keywords
chemical analysis, discolouration, fading, lead white, pigment, Prussian blue
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Fading and Colour Change of Prussian Blue: Methods of Manufacture and the Influence of Extenders, Jo Kirby and David Saunders (text-only RTF 0.68MB)
To cite this article we suggest using
Kirby, J., Saunders, D. 'Fading and Colour Change of Prussian Blue: Methods of Manufacture and the Influence of Extenders'. National Gallery Technical Bulletin Vol 25, pp 73–99.
http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/technical-bulletin/kirby_saunders2004
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