Forecast of the Chemical Aging and Relevant Color Changes in Painting

Abstract

The article describes the potential application of thermodynamic simulation to forecast chemical aging and relevant color changes in painting. Qualitative and numerical results were obtained by applying the method to various mixtures of pigments without and with atmospheric components. The results were compared to the legendary recommendations on incompatible pigment mixtures with about an 80 percent match regarding potential color changes in the aged mixtures. Results for the cadmium yellow-lead white and cadmium lemon-emerald green mixtures are illustrated by pictures, gradually showing color changes caused by the aging. The method of thermodynamic simulation can be a powerful tool to investigate old masterpieces, in developing new materials, and to forecast some aspects of the aging of real masterpieces.