Materials, Techniques, and Conservation of Historic Stained Glass “Grisailles”

Historic stained glass 'grisailles,' used to define contours and add depth, have been analyzed for their material composition and conservation state across Spanish cathedrals from the 16th to 20th centuries. The study reveals significant variations in production techniques and materials over time, with grisailles primarily composed of iron oxides but also incorporating copper, zinc, lead, or manganese, mixed with binders like lead glass. Advanced techniques such as synchrotron radiation micro-XRD, SEM-EDX, and LA-ICPMS were employed to examine thin cross-sections, uncovering complex mixtures of pigment particles, crystalline compounds, and weathering products. These findings are crucial for understanding the aging process and informing conservation strategies for these delicate artifacts.

Pradell, T., Molina, G., Murcia, S., Ibáñez, R., Liu, C., Molera, J., & Shortland, A. J. (2015). Materials, Techniques, and Conservation of Historic Stained Glass “Grisailles”. International Journal of Applied Glass Science, 7(1), 41–58. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijag.12125