A study on the deterioration behavior and manufacturing techniques of reverse mirror painting from the hall of mental cultivation, palace museum

Abstract

Glass painting was a popular art form in both China and Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries, with reverse mirror painting being one of its most iconic examples. Typically crafted on tin amalgam mirror, reverse mirror paintings were both rare and valuable, though their fragility and instability of the tin amalgam coating made them difficult to preserve. Despite their historical significance, most research has focused primarily on the artistic characteristics and origins of these works, with limited attention given to the assessment of their condition, deterioration mechanisms, and manufacturing techniques. This study presents a comprehensive scientific analysis of a reverse mirror painting from the Hall of Mental Cultivation at the Palace Museum. Various methods were employed, including optical microscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectrometry, macroscopic X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, microregion X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The study uncovered the painting's manufacturing techniques through morphological observation, literature review, and pigment identification. It also provided insights into the deterioration processes and mechanisms in different areas of the artwork, suggesting that its condition may be linked to exposure to oxygen. In conclusion, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the deterioration behavior and manufacturing techniques of reverse mirror paintings, offering valuable insights for their conservation.