Tiny quantities of Pb white in old paintings and in paint on ancient objects can be detected by a variety of methods. Emphasis is placed on the microscopic and microchem. identification including emission spectrometry, x-ray diffraction, neutron activation, x-ray fluorescence, and x-radiography. A method of differentiating between old and modern Pb white by anal. of the natural radioactivity of Pb is described. Sources of Pb white, inanuf., history of use, relation to vehicles, particle and optical characteristics, chem. properties, permanence, and compatibility with other pigments are covered. Occurrences of Pb white in ancient and notable works of art are listed. -- AATA