Work

Lead isotope analysis of lead white as a tool for the dating Józef Szermentowski’s paintings

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This paper presents the results of lead isotope composition analyses of lead white samples taken from paintings by Józef Szermentowski, a Polish painter. The examination of works by the artist revealed changes in the source of lead in the white paint samples that were associated with his activity in various artistic centres. This indicates that while working in Poland as well as in various regions of France, Szermentowski used lead white derived from a variety of geological deposits. Differences in the lead isotope composition may be a potential for broader future applications of this method in determining the date and place of execution of works whose precise provenance has not yet been established. The results also provide information on the availability of specific types of lead white in certain geographical areas, making a comparative reference framework for other paintings from this period and for the nineteenth-century lead white trade networks.

Source: npj Heritage Science

DOI: 10.1038/s40494-026-02574-9

Authors: Ewa Doleżyńska-Sewerniak, Jakub Karasiński, Piotr Radziński

Institutions: Nicolaus Copernicus University, University of Warsaw

Language: English

Topic: Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis

Subfield: Archeology

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Uniwersytet Mikolaja Kopernika w Toruniu

Award: G8021528397