Historical Mystery Solved!

Our Analytical Methods paper written in collaboration with Dr David Peggie (National Gallery, London) has been accepted. We have identified the chemical structure of a key marker component for the historical use of brazilwood as found in paintings by both Rembrandt and Van Gough. This work paves the way for a better understanding of the materials used by these artists and for the future development of non-destructive techniques with which to study such high-status objects. Congratulations to group members David Wills, whose undergraduate project drove forward much of this work, and Alessio de Simone who ably supervised the project!