Electrochemical Properties and Fading Patterns of Eosin and Other Pigments

Indianapolis, IN

Vincent Van Gogh's Roses has faded from their original vibrant pink hue to a drab white over the century. This study aimed to determine the electrochemical properties and fading pattern of eosin, the pink dye Van Gogh used, along with several other pigments and dyes. Cyclic voltammetry was utilized to find the oxidative and reductive potentials. Each dye was laked to alumina and turned into a paint that would be used to determine the fading patterns. These paint samples were exposed to light and allowed to fade over a period of time. The changes in color was determine through spectroscopy and the L*a*b* color scheme. The fading patterns of eosin laked to different compounds were also studied.