The fifteenth-century illuminated manuscript known as the Belles Heures, commissioned by the Duke of Berry and painted by the Limbourg brothers, was examined in preparation for a facsimile project. Large white areas, white details and skin tones exhibited significant flaking and losses throughout the manuscript and research was initiated to identify the factors responsible. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated that basic lead carbonate was present both in the white areas and in pigment admixtures, suggesting that lead white played an important role in the problem. Aging tests were conducted on selected binders alone and mixed with lead white to elucidate some possible causes of the media degradation and to determine the best consolidant to treat the manuscript. The conservation treatment of the disbound manuscript is briefly described.

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lead carbonate xrd media

Margaret Lawson & Akiko Yamazaki-Kleps,.EXAMINATION AND CONSERVATION OF THE FIFTEENTH-CENTURY PARCHMENT MANUSCRIPT, THE BELLES HEURES OF JEAN, DUKE OF BERRY. 47 (sup3),129-134.

Margaret Lawson & Akiko Yamazaki-Kleps,"EXAMINATION AND CONSERVATION OF THE FIFTEENTH-CENTURY PARCHMENT MANUSCRIPT, THE BELLES HEURES OF JEAN, DUKE OF BERRY" 47

Margaret Lawson & Akiko Yamazaki-Kleps,"EXAMINATION AND CONSERVATION OF THE FIFTEENTH-CENTURY PARCHMENT MANUSCRIPT, THE BELLES HEURES OF JEAN, DUKE OF BERRY"