Diagnostics in Arts and Culture

Hahn, Oliver

doi:10.1007/978-3-642-25850-3_28

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 42 publications

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“…Such information helps in the decision-making process regarding the conservation/restoration process. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] A sculpture is an artistic representation that illustrates images in full or partial relief, expressing the figure in three real dimensions. They can be made of different types of materials and present different types of surface chromatic layers.…”

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%

“…Their combined analysis produces important information regarding the art object's historical period, authenticity, and previous interventions carried out. Such information helps in the decision‐making process regarding the conservation/restoration process 1–10 …”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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

Oliveira

Paula

Gonçalves³

et al. 2023

X-Ray Spectrometry

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On‐Site X‐Ray Fluorescence Analysis of Sculptures of the Archdiocesan Museum of Sacred Art of Rio de Janeiro's Collection

Franzi,

Paula,

Cavalcante

et al. 2024

X-Ray Spectrometry

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The artworks of the Archdiocesan Museum of Sacred Art of Rio de Janeiro (MAAS‐RJ) are distinguished for their combination of Luso‐Brazilian Sacred Arts and dedication to historical heritage preservation. An in situ analysis using x‐ray fluorescence (XRF) was conducted on five pieces from the collection, including Our Lady of the Expectation, Our Lady of Lapa, Our Lady of Penha de France, Saint Sebastian, and the Glory of the Divine. The analysis employed the portable Bruker Tracer‐III‐SD equipment, which features a Rhodium‐target x‐ray tube and a Silicon detector. Spectra were obtained with the device set at 40 kV and 35 μA, with a 60‐s exposure time. The multi‐element analysis identified the elements present in the pictorial layers, allowing the identification of pigments used in the original polychromes and repaints. The data revealed a diverse composition of pigments across the original, repainted, and polychrome regions. Elements indicative of pigments applied after the creation of the works, consistent with restoration and interventions, were detected. The XRF analysis confirmed the use of gilding techniques in some sculptures, such as Our Lady of the Expectation and the Glory of the Divine. The sculpture of Our Lady of Penha de France exhibited gilding techniques with sgraffito. This study provided the elemental composition of the examined sacred artworks, suggesting potential pigments regardless of their preservation conditions.

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Diagnostics in Arts and Culture

Cited by 2 publications

References 42 publications

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

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

On‐Site X‐Ray Fluorescence Analysis of Sculptures of the Archdiocesan Museum of Sacred Art of Rio de Janeiro's Collection

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