Multi technique and multiscale approaches to the study of ancient and modern art objects on wooden and canvas support

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>The present chapter will illustrate few examples of multi-technique and multi-scale approaches for objects belonging to past or modern periods in the history of art chronology. Thus, four studies on four different topics are brought to the attention: multi disciplinary and multi-techniques characterization of gilded altarpieces and sculptures in Portugal between 1500 and 1800 (3 years research project); an interdisciplinary approach to easel paintings from fifteenth and sixteenth century in Portugal (3 years research project); characterization of ketone resins varnishes (2 years research project) and of salts developed on canvas paintings from the Munch Museum collection (past investigation to be continued with an ongong 3 years research project). These studies show how important is to make use of different analytical tools when investigating a specific material, artistic technique or degradation phenomenon. The objects studied in the above mentioned research projects were created on wooden or canvas supports and they present paint, polichromy or gilded layers, and varnish coatings, therefore their structure and composition is complex and requires a complex, interdisciplinary approach. In many cases to the surface materials from a polychrome or painted object, degradation products are present and their identification as well the understanding of their mechanism of formation is possible only we have a complete overview of the materials present in the layered structure of the object.</jats:p>

Non-Aqueous Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Organogel Sponges for Controlled Solvent Release: Synthesis, Characterization, and Application in the Cleaning of Artworks

“…The picture on the right, collected after the application of the PDMS_PS system, indicates the visual absence of the varnish layer in the area involved in the cleaning test. ATR-FTIR spectra of the artwork surface before and after cleaning are consistent with this conclusion: the cleaning (Figure 12B, black line) shows strong absorbances centered at 1716 cm −1 , 1454 cm −1 and 1070 cm −1 attributable to the ketone resin [52]; in the spectrum collected after the cleaning test (Figure 12B, red line), the intensity of these diagnostic peaks is strongly decreased, indicating the removal of the surface coating. Also, SEM analysis (Figure S3) of the treated area confirms qualitatively that the cleaning test was successful.…”

Biodeterioration in art: a case study of Munch's paintings

“…Beyond many residues founded such as, moss stain, areas with clay and soil, insect and bird residues, several of them also developed intense salt efflorescences, visible on their surfaces. Analyses to affected sketches by X-ray diffraction or scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis suggested the presence of hydrated zinc sulphates, (namely ZnSO 4 •4H 2 O, ZnSO 4 •6H 2 O, and ZnSO 4 •7H 2 O), magnesium sulphates (MgSO 4 ) and zinc-magnesium sulphates (ZnMgSO 4 4H 2 O) [11]. These salts are the result of the degradation of materials probably due to exposure for four years to outdoor extreme conditions of rain, snow and low temperature during winter, sun radiation and pollution [12].…”

“…The media detected were casein, linseed oil, and emulsion of oil in animal glue emulsion. An array of pigments has also been identified, such as ultramarine and Prussian blue, cobalt blue, zinc oxide, lead white, chrome yellow, yellow ochre, vermillion, red earth, Scheele or emerald green and green zinc chromate [11][12][13].…”

The search for organic compounds with TMAH thermochemolysis: From Earth analyses to space exploration experiments

“…Chemical composition of a broad range of materials [224,229,307,308] Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization- [238] Microfade testing electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (MFT) Direct lightfastness testing on objects or minute samples from objects [341] alcohol monolignols differing in their degree of methoxylation, such as p-coumaryl, coniferyl, and sinapyl alcohols. Each of them gives rise to a different type of lignin unit named p-hydroxyphenyl (H), guaiacyl (G) and syringyl (S) units, respectively [158].…”