Some Observations on Methods for Identifying Proteins in Paint Media

MANY methods for the identification of artists' pigment are available, including a variety of physical techniques such as X-ray diffraction [i] and the electron probe [2] to supplement conventional chemical microanalysis [3]. Rapid identification of pigments and dyestuffs from paintings is a commonplace in many conservation laboratories. Unfortunately this is by no means the case as far as identification of paint media is concerned. No general microanalytic technique exists, and most of the specific tests which have been suggested are uncertain in operation and difficult to interpret. Moreover many methods (including some quoted repeatedly) have not been subjected to adequate scrutiny in conditions which are relevant to the con-