Analysis of Pigment on Portraits of Sim Hui-su in Joseon Period

This study analyzed the pigments used in two portraits of Sim Hui-su using scanning electron microscopy/ energy dispersive spectroscopy(SEM/EDS), X-ray diffraction(XRD) analysis, and microscopic observation, and then compared the results to those from nondestructive analysis. It was estimated that cinnabar/vermilion and minium were used for the red pigment, azurite for the blue pigment, atacamite for the green pigment, and lead white for the white pigment. These results were compared to the pigments of six portraits with a similar format, full-length official-attire portraits from the 17-18 th century Joseon period. It was revealed that the composition of the pigments used in the portraits varied depending on the date of production. Iron oxide, another red pigment, was used in the 18 th century. As for the blue colorant, smalt was used in the late 18 th century, whereas it was absent until the early 18 th century.