Statement of Professor Howell Edwards, Professor of Molecular Spectroscopy, University of Bradford:

"In September 2004 I undertook Raman spectroscopic analysis of paint samples from the de Brécy Trust's tondo painting of the Madonna and Child. The analysis found clear evidence of the use of the yellow (lead monoxide , PbO ) pigment massicot. This pigment is considered to be in pre-17th century usage by artists . The presence of lead white was also registered in the analysis . The analysis also indicated that the medium was not an oil or resin nor made from gum, animal glue or egg white. It is therefore most likely to be of a vegetable-derived, starch based glue (considered to be typical of Renaissance practice).

From these analytical findings, I am entirely confident that the tondo painting is consistent with an early, pre-1700, Renaissance work."