Discovery of challacolloite, an uncommon chloride, on a fifteenth-century polychrome terracotta relief by Michele da Firenze

The fifteenth-century gilt and polychromed terracotta relief, Virgin and Child by Michele da Firenze in the collection of the Yale University Art Gallery, was recently conserved in preparation for exhibition. The crystallization of water-soluble salts was suspected as the main reason behind its poor condition. Characterization of powdery deposits over remaining polychromy revealed the presence of KPb2Cl5 in addition to gypsum and other minor components. Detection of potassium lead chloride has not been previously reported in association with cultural heritage objects. The synthetic form of this compound has garnered attention during the past two decades due to its potential optical applications in the infrared region. In nature it occurs as challacolloite, a mineral first named only in 2005 in scientific literature and that primarily forms at high temperatures in fumaroles of volcanos, including those in Italy. The presence of this compound limits the types of materials that can be safely used in conservation treatment applications related to cleaning and consolidation, and therefore, its detection is important. This paper provides information that can serve as a reference for identifying other instances of challacolloite. The form and distribution of challacolloite on the Virgin and Child indicates that the compound is generated in situ and that crystal nucleation and growth result in loss of cohesion within paint layers, delamination of paint layers, and damage to the terracotta substrate. Possible rationales for the formation of this unusual compound are proposed.