The Essential of Essential Oils in the Preservation of Paintings on Canvas, and Risks of Falling Into the Attractiveness of Their Essentiality

Abstract

The awareness of toxicological risk issues as a search for a substantial improvement in the quality of life, has progressively allowed the development of lines of research in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Assets. One of these premises is the reduction of toxicity parameters, as for example happens with the use of natural and innocuous preservatives and biocides for the restorer, but that used without criteria can pose a clear risk to the conservation of the work. This research analyzes the incorporation of new natural materials for microbiological control, focusing the study on the inclusion of essential oils and extracts, which allow to promote the future conservation of the adhesive mixtures used in different restorative treatments of paintings on canvas. The aim is to make known the advantages and disadvantages that the inappropriate use of this type of substances can cause for the conservation of works, which currently present an upward projection of use in the conservator's workshop. For this, its fundamental characteristics are exposed, not only taking into account toxicity parameters, but also assessing its chemical composition and biocidal behavior against critical microbial pathogens. Gone is the primacy of the artistic work over the restorer, where the development of formulations free of harmful agents, facilitates friendly working environmental environments, seeking the perfect balance between heritage conservation and health.