The lead white has been used in painting since the middle ages both as a priming ground and pigment. Purity of the lead white is directly connected with the lead purification methods that have undergone considerable changes throughout centuries. Marked progress in this respect was noted in the 19th century. That is why determination of such elements as Ag, Hg, Zn, Cu, Co, Cr, Ba and Sb in the lead white gives reliable information regarding the age of the painting in question.
Analyses of samples of the lead taken from genuine 15th century paintings representing the so-called Krakowsko-Sadecka school were carried out using instrumental neutron activation analysis technique. The total of 32 elements were determined in those samples; also the detectability limit was determined in each case.