@article{fdi:010095030,
  title = {{M}edieval polychromy from {P}arisian {G}othic sculptures (1145-1250) {T}racing stone preparation techniques by chemical analyses and radiocarbon dating of lead white},
  author = {{D}uch{\^e}ne, {S}. and {B}eck, {L}. and {C}affy, {I}ngrid and {B}ellot-{G}urlet, {L}. and {B}erne, {D}. and {P}lagnieux, {P}.},
  editor = {},
  language = {{ENG}},
  abstract = {{T}his study presents a comprehensive analysis of preparatory layers of polychrome decoration of the portals of three major {P}arisian {G}othic monuments dating from the mid-twelfth through the mid-thirteenth centuries: {S}aint-{G}ermain-des-{P}r{\'e}s church, {N}otre-{D}ame cathedral and {P}aris {S}ainte-{C}hapelle. {T}hrough a multi-analytical approach combining microscopy, spectroscopy, {X}-{R}ay diffraction, and radiocarbon dating, we characterized the composition and chronology of the preparatory layers. {M}icroscopic and spectroscopic analyses reveal a consistent use of lead white as the primary component in preparatory layers across all monuments, with variations in minor materials. {T}he {N}otre-{D}ame {L}ast {J}udgment portal uniquely shows a two-layer system: a lead white base followed by yellow ochre, with evidence of environmental exposure between applications. {T}he {S}ainte-{C}hapelle samples contain distinctive traces of minium mixed with lead white, while {S}aint-{G}ermain-des-{P}r{\'e}s and {N}otre-{D}ame's {S}ainte-{A}nne portal share similar compositions of lead white mixed with calcium carbonate and aluminosilicates. {R}adiocarbon dating of lead white provides unprecedented chronological evidence. {T}he {S}ainte-{A}nne portal samples date to 1016-1158 {CE}, confirming the reuse of 12th-century elements. {T}he {L}ast {J}udgment portal samples yield dates of 1035-1164 {CE}, while {S}ainte-{C}hapelle samples date to 1040-1163 {CE}. {A}lthough these dates represent lead white pigment synthesis rather than application, they raise questions about sophisticated material supply networks as well as storage practices in medieval times. {T}hanks to the combination of analytical techniques implemented, this research has made it possible to identify different stone preparation techniques within the same building and the evidence of phased applications challenges previous assumptions about medieval workshop practices and construction site phases.},
  keywords = {{M}edieval polychromy ; {S}tone preparation technique ; {G}othic sculpture ; {R}adiocarbon dating ; {L}ead white ; {P}igment ; {FRANCE} ; {PARIS}},
  booktitle = {},
  journal = {{J}ournal of {C}ultural {H}eritage},
  volume = {75},
  numero = {},
  pages = {147--157},
  ISSN = {1296-2074},
  year = {2025},
  DOI = {10.1016/j.culher.2025.07.009},
  URL = {https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010095030},
}