Verdigris
Persia
17th Century
Source: Koohkesh, N., Dredge, P., Howard, D., Lewincamp, S., Zekrgoo, S., & Alhagh, L. (2025). Synchrotron X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy for Characterising Pigments in Seventeenth-century Persian Illuminated Manuscripts. Studies in Conservation.
Recipe Details
Ingredients
copper, vinegar, saffron
Preparation Steps
Manufactured by treating copper or copper alloys (like brass) with vinegar; plates corrode to copper acetate (p. 16). Artists sometimes added saffron to modify the colour and improve its stability (p. 16).
Original Recipe Text
Manufactured by treating copper or copper alloys (like brass) with vinegar; plates corrode to copper acetate (p. 16). Artists sometimes added saffron to modify the colour and improve its stability (p. 16).
Evidence
"The authors believe verdigris is likely in the composition of green in both manuscripts due to the reported age of the manuscripts and literature evidence"
Remarks
In MUL 76, higher counts of zinc (Zn) suggest the use of brass instead of pure copper for synthesis. Green areas showed intense copper and low zinc signals (p. 16). Visual examination confirms green colour has been painted but has severely corroded the paper in these areas (p. 16).
Scientific Analysis
Chemical CompositionCu(CH3COO)2H2O
Analytical Techniques
Synchrotron-based scanning X-ray fluorescence microscopy (SXFM)
Certainty Level
Probable
Instrumentally Verified
Verified
Metadata
Material Type
pigment
ColorGreen
RegionPersia
Approx. Year1650
Source Information
AuthorKoohkesh, N., Dredge, P., Howard, D., Lewincamp, S., Zekrgoo, S., & Alhagh, L.
CollectionThe University of Melbourne Manuscripts Collection (MUL 17, MUL 76)
Language
N/A
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