X-ray fluorescence applied to overglaze enamel decoration on eighteenth- and nineteenth-century porcelain from central Europe

Abstract

Technical and chronological aspects of overglaze enamel production at historic porcelain factories in central Europe are discussed based on studies of over 180 objects at various laboratories. Results of analyses on representative objects, carried out primarily with X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, are presented. Examples of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century decoration by Meissen, Du Paquier, and Hausmaler painters are described in detail. The findings highlight established glaze formulation practices and enhance understanding of the dating of objects based on the detection of zinc in yellow, blue, and green glazes. This study is the first to provide extensive scientific evidence on the composition of nineteenth-century overglaze enamel colors. In particular, the research highlights the frequent co-occurrence of both eighteenth- and nineteenth-century enamel formulations on objects, underscoring the need to examine all overglaze enamel colorants on porcelains before attributing the decoration to a particular time period.

Keywords:

• Meissen
• Du Paquier
• Hausmaler painters
• Overglaze enamel
• Underglaze enamel
• XRF
• Porcelain
• Technical examination

Acknowledgements

FC and AB thank the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Melinda and Paul Sullivan Foundation for the Arts and Mrs. Eloise Martin. LL and KE thank the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Heather Hess, and the Busch-Reisinger Museum. KD and AS thank the Hoffmeister family, Sebastian Kuhn, and Nette Megens at Bonhams, London. JM thanks Holly Keris of the Cummer Museum and Gardens, Michele Beiny of Michele Beiny Incorporated, and Jody Wilkie of Christie's, New York.