# @gettymuseum on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CHdeI3Un5HQ
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/34229715-gettymuseum-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/b273b69f35.jpg
- **Posted:** 2020-11-11T18:26:33.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Getty (@gettymuseum) — https://gondola.cc/gettymuseum

## Caption

This machine moves slowly across the surface of an artwork, never touching it. Macro X-ray fluorescence scanning maps the distribution of chemical elements on the surface of the pages, which can tell us what pigments an artist used in their painting.

This beautiful manuscript was illustrated by Joris Hoefnagel (with calligraphic script by Georg Bocskay).

Getty experts learned that the sour orange was painted with several different red and yellow pigments, including orpiment yellow, vermilion red, red lead, and red ochre. The element map on slide 4 shows how Hoefnagel carefully mixed and layered his pigments.

Another fun discovery? Because this technique uses X-rays, we could see beneath the surface of the paint. On one page (slides 5-7) words were found beneath the flower vase on the page's right margin. We don't know what they say...yet.

Can you make out what the word says? We think it is in either Latin or German. Comment your guesses below.

And if you want to look closer at this manuscript—check out the #linkinbio.
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🏷:
#artconservation #artandscience #getty #gettyconservation #gettyscience #arthistory #painting #jorishoefnagel

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 3,406
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- **Comments:** 52

## Tags

getty, artandscience, arthistory, artconservation, painting, gettyconservation, jorishoefnagel, gettyscience, linkinbio

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