Diagnostic investigation to support the restoration of the polychrome terracotta relief “Madonna and Child” in Piove di Sacco (Padova, Italy)

Vasco, Giovanna; Serra, A.; Manno, D.; Buccolieri, Giovanni; Calcagnile, Lucio; Miotto, Lidiana; Valli, Ludovico; Buccolieri, Alessandro

doi:10.1016/j.culher.2021.11.009

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 27 publications

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“…Its importance is more related to the religious and historical context than to its value as an art object. [13][14][15] The use of X-ray-based non-destructive techniques is extremely widespread and relevant for the characterization of sculptures-several studies are routinely conducted and are present in the literature. Among the main applications, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), 9,11,12,[16][17][18] radiography 9,[19][20][21] and computed tomography (CT) 7,18,[22][23][24][25][26][27][28] can be mentioned.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Analysis of a wooden statue by non‐destructive X‐ray techniques

Oliveira

Paula

Gonçalves³

et al. 2023

X-Ray Spectrometry

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In this study, the characterization of the “Santa Luzia” statue was carried out through three non‐destructive X‐ray techniques: X‐ray Fluorescence (XRF), Digital Radiography (DR), and Computed Tomography (CT). The wooden statue dates from the 18th century. It was carved in Portugal and is currently located at the Santa Luzia church—one of the oldest churches built in Rio de Janeiro. The portable XRF system used in this study is composed of an Ag target X‐ray tube and an silicon drift detector detector with energy resolution of 122 eV at 5.9 keV. Several spectra were obtained in different regions of the statue. For the DR and CT evaluations, a portable 120 kV X‐ray tube and a 410 × 410 mm a‐Si flat panel detector with a pixel size of 200 μm were used. Individual radiographs of the parts of the statue were acquired and merged into a single image, in order to show its complete radiography. Finally, the CT images of the head of the statue were taken in angular steps of 2 degrees and, after the reconstruction process, the data were analyzed by means of appropriate software. The elements found in the XRF analysis suggest the presence of the pigments lead white, red lead, zinc white, titanium white, vermilion and emerald green. All of them are in accordance with the pigments used by the artists during the statue's historical period. The 3 exceptions were the zinc white and titanium white pigments, which may be an evidence of modern interventions, and the emerald green pigment, which appears to be a repainting of the green region. The radiographic images showed the manufacturing process of the statue, as well as its structural condition. The assembling of wooden blocks, the presence and type of nails and spikes, and regions of different densities were found in the analysis. In the statue's head, the joining of the face with the main part of the statue is clearly visible, and also the hollow glass eye. The CT analysis was able to better detail this section as a spherical cavity in the central part of the head, as well as the presence of a high‐density fragment inside the hole for the fixation of the aureole. The type of glass eye was identified as blown‐glass eye, which is commonly used in devotional statues.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The use of sculptures to represent the use of devotional images is present in different cultures. Its importance is more related to the religious and historical context than to its value as an art object 13–15 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%