Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Maria Letizia Amadori, Ilaria Costantini, Juan Manuel Madariaga Mota, Laura Valentini, Fabiano Ferrucci, Valeria Mengacci, Mara Camaiti
Summary: A multi-analytical approach was used to study Paestum funerary slabs, confirming intentional use of calcium antimonate in paintings and limited pigments were used by ceramic painters. Various mineral pigments were identified, with green earth, Egyptian blue, hematite, and red ochre being frequently used. The study sheds light on the techniques and materials used in the ancient Lucanian funerary art.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2021)
Review
Anthropology
Maurizio Aceto
Summary: The present contribution discusses the use of organic colorants in wall paintings, polychrome pottery, and painted stone artworks, focusing on their chemical nature, application methods, and historical usage. Recent studies have shown that these colorants were used continuously in ancient artworks, providing new insights into the study of ancient art.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Archaeology
Nuria Oriols, Nati Salvado, Trinitat Pradell, Nuria Jimenez, Judith Juanhuix, Salvador Buti
Summary: Medieval texts describe the use of the three-tone system in Romanesque art to represent shape and volume. This study analyzes the mural paintings of Sant Climent de Taull church in Catalonia to verify the use and application of this system.
JOURNAL OF CULTURAL HERITAGE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Paolo D'Imporzano, Katrien Keune, Janne M. Koornneef, Erma Hermens, Petria Noble, A. L. S. Vandivere, Gareth R. Davies
Summary: This study shows that lead isotopes in lead white pigment can be used as an additional diagnostic tool to determine the production time of 17th century Dutch paintings. Analysis of 77 well-dated paintings from 27 different Dutch artists reveals significant changes in the source of lead used in lead white at the start, middle, and end of the 17th century.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Annarosa Mangone, Maria Cristina Caggiani, Tiziana Forleo, Lorena Carla Giannossa, Pasquale Acquafredda
Summary: The blue color of glass and ceramic glazes produced in Apulia and Basilicata (Southern Italy) between the 13th and 14th centuries and connected to the Norman-Swabian Emperor Frederick II has been a subject of investigation. The usual association with lapis lazuli has been questioned, as the mineral hauyne, found in the region, can also give a blue color when heated. This study found hauyne crystals in a ceramic dish, supporting the hypothesis that local hauyne-bearing sources were used as raw materials.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Kerem Serifaki, Hasan Boke
Summary: This study examines the execution technique and material characteristics of the plaster layers of Byzantine wall paintings from three archaeological sites to guide their conservation efforts. The research finds varied mineralogical and chemical compositions in the plaster layers, indicating different painting techniques and periods.
MATERIALI IN TEHNOLOGIJE
(2022)
Article
Archaeology
M. Ali, A. El-Habashi, M. Abd Elkawy, Sh. Taha
Summary: Yakan House is a historical house in Cairo, dating back to the early 19th century. Neglected and deteriorated over time, it was acquired by someone interested in heritage and transformed into a cultural center for traditional crafts. During the restoration process, faded wall paintings from the time of construction were discovered, hidden beneath a thick layer of plaster. The research aims to study and uncover these wall paintings using modern mechanical, chemical, and scientific detection methods.
EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND RESTORATION STUDIES
(2023)
Article
Optics
Thea de Seauve, Sophie Bosonnet, Olivier Grauby, Alexandre Semerok, Vincent Detalle, Jean-Marc Vallet
Summary: This article investigates the use of chemical methods to treat the issue of lead white pigments in ancient mural paintings blackening over time, and proposes the possibility of thermally reconverting the black pigments to white lead carbonates via a massicot intermediate.
APPLIED PHYSICS B-LASERS AND OPTICS
(2023)
Article
Art
Metin Kaya
Summary: This passage discusses the continuation of pagan beliefs and apotropaic elements in early Christian society, reflected in artistic production. Christian artists used motifs like the Medusa head and mask for decorative purposes, aligning with Christian faith. Local artists in the region, who were socialized within Hellenistic traditions, emphasized sacred meanings and apotropaic effects in their wall paintings.
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Kazuki Ishikawa, Daisuke Ogura, Chiemi Iba, Nobumitsu Takatori, Soichiro Wakiya
Summary: This study aims to identify the mechanical properties of simulated white clay, a crucial component of important cultural artifacts and national treasures in Japan, by creating specimen patterns and conducting tests. The results provide insights into the strength and elasticity of the white clay under different equilibrium humidity and material mixing ratios.
Article
Medieval & Renaissance Studies
Angeliki Mexia
Summary: The wall paintings in the cross-in-square church of Saint John at Keria in Mesa Mani are believed to be from the second half of the 13th century, possibly created in the decade 1270-1280. Despite being fragmentarily preserved and extensively faded, the frescoes are attributed to a skilled painter who exceeds the typical style of wall paintings in Mani at the time.
DELTION OF THE CHRISTIAN ARCHAEOLOGICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Art
Metin Kaya
Summary: This article discusses the decorative features and symbolic meanings of the cornucopia motif in medieval wall paintings, and explores its relationship between architecture and art.
Article
Spectroscopy
Luis Manuel de Almeida Nieto, Francesca Gabrieli, Annelies van Loon, Victor Gonzalez, Joris Dik, Raf Van de Plas, Matthias Alfeld
Summary: Macroscopic X-ray fluorescence imaging spectroscopy (MA-XRF) and reflectance imaging spectroscopy (RIS) are important tools in the analysis of cultural heritage objects. This work aims to improve RIS data processing workflows in the short wavelength infrared range (SWIR) and compare its performance to MA-XRF for pigment mapping. The results show that SWIR RIS is a pigment-specific method with a longer linear range but inferior limits of detection and penetration depth compared to MA-XRF.
X-RAY SPECTROMETRY
(2023)
Article
Medieval & Renaissance Studies
Anna Zakharova
Summary: This article surveys the surviving monumental paintings from the 9th to 10th centuries in Macedonia, with a focus on dating, stylistic comparisons, and major tendencies in the region. The expressive linear style prevalent in these ensembles was further developed throughout the 10th century, influenced by trends from Constantinople and the rise of Mount Athos monasteries.
VIZANTIISKII VREMENNIK
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Annalisa Mentana, Ippolito Camele, Stefania M. Mang, Giuseppe E. De Benedetto, Salvatore Frisullo, Diego Centonze
PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS
(2019)
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Miriana Durante, Marcello S. Lenucci, Laura Gazza, Federica Taddei, Francesca Nocente, Giuseppe E. De Benedetto, Monica De Caroli, Gabriella Piro, Giovanni Mita
Article
Archaeology
Daniela Rizzo, Raffaele Casciaro
Summary: This study focuses on an unusual oil painting depicting the Virgin of Thessalonica, analyzing the materials and techniques used by the artist. Results show that the pigments and additives are both original and due to subsequent restoration.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Eleonora Stanca, Nadia Calabriso, Laura Giannotti, Paola Nitti, Fabrizio Damiano, Benedetta Di Chiara Stanca, Maria Annunziata Carluccio, Giuseppe Egidio De Benedetto, Christian Demitri, Andrea Palermo, Franco Ferrante, Luisa Siculella, Alessio Rochira
Summary: CGF has a complex inner structure that can influence the release of growth factors, metabolites, and cells. These cells, with stem features, can regulate the production and release of CGF growth factors and differentiate into osteoblasts producing a mineralized matrix, opening up interesting new perspectives for the use of CGF in regenerative medicine.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Antonio Di Franco, Antonio Calo, Giuseppe Egidio De Benedetto, Laura Ghigliotti, Antonio Pennetta, Mathieu D. M. Renard, Eva Pisano, Marino Vacchi, Paolo Guidetti
Summary: The study found that adult Antarctic silverfish from distant areas have been exposed to similar environmental conditions during early life stages, suggesting that environmental drivers may not play a role in determining potential spatial variability in individual fitness and population replenishment.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Eva Pinatel, Matteo Calcagnile, Adelfia Tala, Fabrizio Damiano, Luisa Siculella, Clelia Peano, Giuseppe Egidio De Benedetto, Antonio Pennetta, Gianluca De Bellis, Pietro Alifano
Summary: Recent research has revealed the presence of various ncRNAs in the transcriptome of Streptomyces ambofaciens, including sRNAs and asRNAs, which may play a role in regulating gene expression by targeting specific mRNAs encoding proteins involved in various cellular processes. Additionally, comparison of ncRNA expression in different strains showed correlation with the stringent/relaxed phenotype, suggesting novel effector mechanisms of the stringent response.
Article
Microbiology
Patrizia Pagliara, Giuseppe Egidio De Benedetto, Matteo Francavilla, Amilcare Barca, Carmela Caroppo
Summary: This study analyzed the biological effects of organic and aqueous extracts from two strains of picocyanobacteria isolated from the Mediterranean sponge on Artemia salina larvae, sea urchin embryos, and human cancer cells. The extracts showed strong inhibitory effects on larval development of Artemia salina and proliferation of HeLa cells. Methanol extracts exhibited the highest activity, indicating the potential for production of pharmacologically active compounds.
Article
Polymer Science
Daniela Fico, Daniela Rizzo, Valentina De Carolis, Francesco Montagna, Carola Esposito Corcione
Summary: The excessive use of difficult-to-dispose synthetic materials has raised ecological concerns and led to a shift towards sustainable materials and a circular economy. This study produced bio-filaments for 3D printing from recycled PLA and ceramic waste, demonstrating their potential for low-cost production of 3D-printed models.
Review
Polymer Science
Francesca Ferrari, Raffaella Striani, Daniela Fico, Mohammad Mahbubul Alam, Antonio Greco, Carola Esposito Corcione
Summary: Bio-based polymers, obtained from natural biomass, are considered as good alternatives to replace traditional fossil-derived plastics due to their environmental and health benefits. This study focuses on the use of wood waste as a raw material for biopolymer manufacturing, and explores the application of wood waste as a bio-reinforcement material in different bio-based matrices. The results show that the addition of wood waste can enhance the mechanical properties of the materials.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Antonio Pennetta, Giuseppe E. De Benedetto
Summary: One of the goals of archaeology is to understand how materials and ideas were exchanged between human populations. Bitumen, a substance used since prehistoric times, is often excavated from archaeological sites and analyzing its origin helps shed light on trade and communication in the past. A study of archaeological bitumen from coastal sites in Italy revealed that stable isotope ratios differed between different fractions, suggesting the absorption of foreign substances. The study also found that lipid absorption may have occurred at different stages, including before the bitumen was applied to pottery.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Daniela Rizzo, Daniela Fico, Francesco Montagna, Raffaele Casciaro, Carola Esposito Corcione
Summary: This study successfully reproduced four missing columns of a 17th century polychrome wooden ciborium using advanced technologies, overcoming the challenges of scanning reflective surfaces and utilizing 3D printing techniques. The importance of collaboration between different professionals for restoration design and the need for scientific research into high-performance 3D printing materials suitable for conservation are highlighted.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Daniela Fico, Daniela Rizzo, Francesco Montagna, Carola Esposito Corcione
Summary: This paper compares the advantages and disadvantages of fused filament fabrication (FFF) and computer numerical control (CNC) milling in the specific case of conserving cultural heritage. It is found that PETG is more suitable than pine wood for reproducing the missing columns, as it retains water repellent and colorimetric properties after artificial aging. The comparison also shows that CNC milling is quicker but more expensive and produces more waste compared to FFF printing. Based on these results, FFF is assessed to be more suitable for replicating the specific column.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Antonio Pennetta, Sabrina Di Masi, Federica Piras, Xiangfei Lu, Jun Li, Giuseppe Edigio De Benedetto, Giuseppe Mele
JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE
(2020)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Giuseppe Egidio De Benedetto, Sabrina Di Masi, Antonio Pennetta, Cosimino Malitesta