Chemical examination of paintings
 

Tell me what is in the chemical examination of paintings, which compounds are used, in general we would like to know all the details ....

Dear, Catherine! Answer in two words to your question, alas, can not ...
On the topic of examination of works of art written numerous books and articles. In Moscow a couple of weeks will be a conference on the examination. If you are really interested, you should read at least the fundamental works and communicate with specialists in this field.

I live in a small town, opportunities to take out a picture to Moscow for examination is not, so I would like to know whether you can make examination at home (or at least similar). I was told that with some solutions, it can be done ... Only
What I do not know ....

Unfortunately universal solution - no. For this study, need special analytical equipment and its price is high. Specialist, chemist, in theory, could take some samples from your pictures and check them out, but the results of research will not suffice. You must clearly indicate the chemist what to look for. There are compounds that are not statistically determined using reagents. Nearly one hundred percent, according to the results, you can not tell the exact time and the country of painting. We can not forget such an important thing as - references. You will need to something to compare the results that you get a chemical process.
Alas, but for a small town - a task extremely difficult ...

KatrinKOZ, assuming that you do not Rubens or Rembrandt.
Do not hammer your head and start with a simple - to make good pictures, and place on a forum.
- Micrographs of fragments (of particular interest: the hands, eyes, face, etc.)
- General photos and micrographs reverse side of the canvas (particularly interesting place to join a canvas stretcher)
- Good overall picture.
You here with certainty say, age 90-95%of your work and is 100%correct prompt to do next.