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Ab initio study of PbCrSO solid solution: An inside look at Van Gogh Yellow degradation

Chemical Science, ISSN: 2041-6539, Vol: 7, Issue: 7, Page: 4197-4203
2016
  • 16
    Citations
  • 0
    Usage
  • 18
    Captures
  • 3
    Mentions
  • 160
    Social Media
Metric Options:   Counts1 Year3 Year

Metrics Details

  • Citations
    16
    • Citation Indexes
      16
  • Captures
    18
  • Mentions
    3
    • Blog Mentions
      2
      • Blog
        2
    • News Mentions
      1
      • 1
  • Social Media
    160
    • Shares, Likes & Comments
      160
      • Facebook
        160

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Article Description

Van Gogh Yellow refers to a family of lead chromate pigments widely used in the 19 century and often mixed with lead sulfate to obtain different yellow hues. Unfortunately, some paintings, such as the famous Sunflowers series, suffered degradation problems due to photoactivated darkening of once bright yellow areas, especially when irradiated with UV light. Recent advanced spectroscopic analyses have proved that this process occurs mostly where the pigment presents a sulfur-rich orthorhombic phase of a PbCrSO solid solution, while chromium-rich monoclinic phases are lightfast. However, the question of whether degradation is purely a surface phenomenon or if the bulk properties of sulfur-rich pigments trigger the process is still open. Here, we use first-principles calculations to unveil the role of sulfur in determining important bulk features such as structure, stability, and optical properties. From our findings, we suggest that degradation occurs via an initial local segregation of lead sulfate that absorbs at UV light wavelengths and provides the necessary energy for subsequent reduction of chromate ions into the greenish chromic oxide detected in experiments. In perspective, our results set reliable scientific foundations for further studies on surface browning phenomena and can help to chose the best strategy for the proper conservation of art masterpieces.

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