Unveiling the Composition of La Pajarita PVAc-Based Paints in Joan Miró's Studio and in Three Artworks from the 1970s.

Abstract

In this study, we present the first characterisation of the polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) paints of commercial Spanish brand La Pajarita preserved in the studios of Joan Miró (1893-1983) in Mallorca, Spain. Investigation of several black and white paint samples using complementary analytical techniques (XRD, SEM-EDX, FTIR, and Py-GC-MS) allowed for the identification of pigments and binding media in studio materials, as well as in three artworks dating from the 1970s. Through comparative analysis, it was possible to find significant similarities between the composition of La Pajarita paints conserved in cans in the artist's studio with black and white painted layers from three artworks by Miró. Miró's use of La Pajarita paints is extensively documented in studio notes, photographs, and videos, and these paints are known to have been used by other significant Spanish artists. However, their composition has remained largely undiscovered until now. This research contributes to the knowledge of PVAc paints, providing evidence of their use by Joan Miró. The analytical results serve as a valuable reference for comparing and identifying these synthetic paints in other artworks, as well as aiding in attribution or dating studies. Furthermore, the study demonstrates the significance of materials found in artists' studios as a fundamental resource for identifying the materials present in artworks.