Fig. 14
Red sample from the Marian figure: a cross section under light microscopy in reflective mode, b the corresponding BSE image, c close-up image of the section highlighted in the yellow box in b showing the application of multi-painting layers and d the overlayered elemental mapping showing the ground preparation, older aluminosilicate based earth pigment applied, lead white layer, another earth based layer and finally the cinnabar layer that also contains calcite and lead white, e elemental mapping in the yellow box area selected. Spectral interference in the case of sulphur and lead is visible. The lead distribution is confined to the top layer as witnessed by the BSE image where lead appears bright along with mercury