Portable XRF for paintings and metals authentication: a critical guide to some practical limitations and multi-technique integrations

npj Heritage Science 2026 Open access

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Authors: Marco Nicola, Luca Matullo, Alessandro Marello, Chiara Mastrippolito, Roberto Gobetto
DOI: 10.1038/s40494-026-02499-3
Cited by: 5
References: 31

Abstract

In authentication studies, chemists, scientists, art historians, conservators, and law enforcement collaborate to identify forgeries. For paintings, pigment characterization (detecting anachronistic materials) is decisive. Portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (pXRF) is a dominant, versatile, non-destructive identification method, yet its misuse is documented and widespread. Literature and current results require contextualization by instrument and era, avoiding over-interpretation. This practical review examines pXRF’s strengths and constraints through case studies.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis X-ray Spectroscopy and Fluorescence Analysis Conservation Techniques and Studies

Publication details

Journal / source
npj Heritage Science
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Volume
14
Issue
1
Publication date
16 April 2026
Language
EN