Multi-Technique Diagnostic Investigation in View of the Restoration of “The Glory of St. Barbara” Painting by Mattia Preti

Abstract

The present paper illustrates the results of a diagnostic investigation performed on the oil on canvas painting “The Glory of St. Barbara” (1680–1688) by Mattia Preti. The painting is located inside the St. Barbara Church in Taverna (Catanzaro, Italy), the city that gave birth to the artist. In situ, non-invasive studies, by applying X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, along with laboratory micro-destructive analytical investigations, by employing electron probe microanalyses (EPMA) coupled with energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and micro-Raman (µ-Raman) spectroscopy, were combined to retrieve the color palette and identify the painting technique and style of the famous master. As a result of this multi-scale characterization, an extraordinary pictorial technique was revealed, enriching knowledge about one of the oldest pictorial traditions outlined by Mattia Preti, and solving doubts still existing about many of his investigated artworks. Moreover, the achieved results represent useful and essential tools to address management issues of the artwork, by providing valuable information for planning and monitoring future restoration interventions of the canvas.

From lapis lazuli to synthetic ultramarines: a u-Raman spectroscopy investigation on the history and development of the Most Perfect Color

“…This study therefore becomes significant in recognizing synthetic and commercial ultramarines, with promising forensic applications in contrasting forgery and fraud criminal offences due to the non-destructive, repeatability, and high sensitivity character of the μ-Raman spectroscopy method. This is highlighted by examples taken in this study, which provide a focus for current and future applications and developments [20][21][22][23].…”

Measurement of the natural radioactivity content of earth pigments and evaluation of radiological health risks

“…In particular, as far as natural minerals and earths with colouring properties are concerned, i.e. iron and manganese oxides and hydroxides including haematite, goethite, and other minerals such as kaolinite, huntite, and others, a comprehensive view was already furnished elsewhere [10][11][12]. Nevertheless, a relative new aspect that has to be considered regards the characterization of earth pigments in terms of natural radioactivity content and, starting from it, the assessment of radiological health risks.…”

PIXE and pXRF Comparison Analysis of a Mockup Canvas Painting

“…The use of non-destructive elemental spectroscopic methods such as X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and Particle-Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) is becoming common in the area of art and cultural heritage objects, helping the characterization of the constituents of the artwork as well as the identification of the deterioration processes, in order to choose the better method to conserve them. These techniques are very powerful and important in material characterization, especially for pigments identification (Calligaro et al, 2015;Caridi et al, 2022;de Viguerie et al, 2010;Hunt & Speakman, 2015;Molari & Appoloni, 2023;Rizzutto et al, 2014;Shaaban et al, 2009) and for the determination of layers composition and thickness (Neelmeijer et al, 2000).…”