Non-destructive analysis and testing of museum objects: An overview of 5 years of research

The combination of several micro-XRF analysis modes is presented for the investigation of an illuminated parchment manuscript. With a commercial instrument, conventional micro-XRF spot analysis (0D) and mapping (2D) are performed, yielding detailed lateral elemental information. Depth resolution becomes accessible by mounting an additional polycapillary lens in front of an SDD detector. Quantitative confocal depth profiles (1D) are presented as well as the full separation of the front and the backside decorations with the help of fast 3D mappings of specific areas. Only through the use of these multidimensional modes can elemental information be assigned both to lateral and depth positions, making the analysis of such heterogeneous samples feasible.

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“…[1][2][3] Oen, in such cases sampling is performed for the investigation of cross-sections with e.g. optical microscopy or SEM-EDX.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Combined 1D, 2D and 3D micro-XRF techniques for the analysis of illuminated manuscripts

Lachmann

Snickt

Haschke³

et al. 2016

J. Anal. At. Spectrom.

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“…At the same time, being set on historical valuable objects, gems cannot be removed to avoid irreversible damages. Thanks to recent technique advancements aimed at developing high-resolution mobile equipment for in-situ works (Adriaens 2005;Vandenabeele et al 2014), complementary non-invasive and non-destructive methods have emerged as a promising approach for gem characterization. Specifically, the combined use of portable spectroscopic methods, such as Raman spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence, has demonstrated useful results for routine investigation of gems (Petrovà et al 2012;Lauwers et al 2016).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Portable XRF: A Tool for the Study of Corundum Gems

Barone¹,

Mazzoleni²,

Bersani³

et al. 2017

Open Archaeology

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Abstract:Origin of gemstones is a key aspect not only in gemological field but also in Cultural Heritage studies, for the correct evaluation of precious artifacts. The studies on gems require the application of non-invasive and non-destructive methods; among them, portable spectroscopic techniques has been demonstrated as powerful tools, providing a fingerprint of gems for origin and provenance determination. In this study, portable XRF spectroscopy has been applied to test the potential of the technique for the origin determination of corundum gems. The obtained results allowed distinguishing natural and synthetic rubies and sapphires.

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“…The analytical procedure applied was totally non-destructive as sampling was restricted in view of the value, the uniqueness, the size and the extremely fragile nature of the material (European Commission, 2003). As Adriaens (2005Adriaens ( , p. 1504 emphatically states: 'there is one essential difference between the analysis of ancient and modern materials -an art object or ancient artefact cannot be replaced, and the consumption or damaging of even a small part of it for analytical purposes must be undertaken only where vital data cannot otherwise be obtained'. The final aim of the project was the creation of accurate replicas which are now exhibited alongside the originals in the Pylos Archaeological Museum, using similar composition mortars, pigments, and manufacture techniques.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A non-destructive technological study of three fresco fragments from Iklaina, Pylos, Greece

Tsairis

Palamara

Zacharias

et al. 2017

STAR: Science & Technology of Archaeological Research

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The objective of the present study is to conduct a non-destructive characterisation analysis of three fresco fragments from Iklaina, southern Peloponnese, Greece, in order to identify their manufacture techniques. Furthermore, this study aims at using the results of the scientific and analytical analyses to produce accurate replicas of these fragments (use of similar composition mortars, pigments, and manufacture techniques), which can be used for the restoration program of the site. These replicas will be exhibited alongside the originals in the new Pylos Archaeological Museum.Due to the high archaeological value of the objects, the analytical approach we followed was completely non-destructive and was based on the parallel use of optical microscopy, p-XRF and SEM/EDS. The analyses suggest the use of Egyptian blue pigment for the backgrounds. The wavy black coil of hair was painted with an organic black pigment. The use of inorganic pigments has been revealed on the upper layers on the basis of the identification of minerals and rocks. The substrate of the wall paintings is made of aluminosilicate lime mortars. The results corroborate the suggestions of previous studies for the pigments comprising the Mycenaean artistic palette and provides further insight on the artistic and technological choices made by Mycenaean artists.

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Non-destructive analysis and testing of museum objects: An overview of 5 years of research

Cited by 119 publications

References 89 publications

Combined 1D, 2D and 3D micro-XRF techniques for the analysis of illuminated manuscripts

Combined 1D, 2D and 3D micro-XRF techniques for the analysis of illuminated manuscripts

Portable XRF: A Tool for the Study of Corundum Gems

A non-destructive technological study of three fresco fragments from Iklaina, Pylos, Greece

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