Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Margherita Longoni, Carlotta Beccaria, Letizia Bonizzoni, Silvia Bruni
Summary: In this study, a thorough investigation was conducted on one of Fontana's artworks using non-invasive and micro-invasive methods, revealing the composition of the metallic paint layer and underlying dark layer.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Sokheng La, Radchada Buntem
Summary: This research focuses on the pigment analyses of early 20th century Cambodian panel paintings, revealing the presence of various pigments such as lead white, red cinnabar, and emerald green.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Mona Abdel-Ghani
Summary: A multidisciplinary study was performed on a Persian painting to explore its structure and pigments used, revealing the layering and pigment choices in the artwork. The research findings indicate that the painting exhibits some unique characteristics in composition and pigment selection.
VIBRATIONAL SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Archaeology
Daniele Barbera, Christina Young, Maria Charalambides, Ambrose C. Taylor, Ruoyu Zhang
Summary: Understanding the fracture mechanisms and environmental effects on the physical properties of painted cultural heritage on wooden substrates is crucial for their preservation. Previous research has focused on individual constituent layers, but more work is needed to represent the heterogeneous composite structure of easel paintings. Fracture mechanics concepts have been applied to glue and glue/chalk multilayers, but experiments on multilayers that include oil paint are limited due to the long drying time. This paper presents a methodology using thermally aged alkyd paint for mechanical testing in easel painting reconstructions, serving as a substitute for naturally aged traditional linseed oil paint. Elastic and failure properties of the paint were obtained through controlled tensile tests. The methodology provides a viable way to study the behavior of a simplified but complete multilayer system.
JOURNAL OF CULTURAL HERITAGE
(2022)
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Eloisa Manzano, Rosario Blanc, J. Daniel Martin-Ramos, Giacomo Chiari, P. Sarrazin, Jose Luis Vilchez
Summary: The main objective of this study was to establish a method for analyzing the pigments, materials, and structure of a copy of Raphael's "Transfiguration of Christ". The study used a multi-technique approach to identify the artist's palette and confirm the materials used in the painting. Additionally, non-invasive techniques were applied to further understand the artwork and determine the canvas date.
Article
Polymer Science
Ehab Al-Emam, Victoria Beltran, Steven De Meyer, Gert Nuyts, Vera Wetemans, Karolien De Wael, Joost Caen, Koen Janssens
Summary: This passage discusses the cleaning and restoration process of the wall painting "The Last Judgment" in the chapel of Sint-Jan Berchmanscollege in Antwerp, Belgium. The deteriorated synthetic polymeric varnish used in the past caused damage to the painting, necessitating the use of gel cleaning method for its removal in order to restore the original appearance.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Virginia Flores-Sasso, Gloria Perez, Letzai Ruiz-Valero, Sagrario Martinez-Ramirez, Ana Guerrero, Esteban Prieto-Vicioso
Summary: The arrival of Spaniards in the Caribbean islands introduced the practice of applying pigments onto buildings. This study characterizes a 17th-century mural painting located in the Cathedral of Santo Domingo on the Hispaniola island of the Caribbean, providing insights into the historical evolution and restoration process of the mural.
Article
Archaeology
Ezgin Yetis, Murat Eroglu, Bekir Eskici, Mahmut Gur, Kiymet Deniz, Yusuf Kagan Kadioglu
Summary: This study aims to investigate the techniques used in the decorative wall paintings found in the Suleyman Pasha Mosque in Edirne, Turkey. Through various analytical methods, it has been determined that these paintings were created on wet plaster.
STUDIES IN CONSERVATION
(2023)
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Thomas Mafredas, Eleni Kouloumpi, Stamatis C. Boyatzis
Summary: A research protocol was designed and carried out to investigate the construction technology of four panel paintings produced by hieromonk Dionysius from Fourna in the 18th century. The research aims to analyze the materials used by Dionysius, recognize the construction technology, and examine whether it follows the recipes included in his manuscript.
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Livio Ferrazza, David Juanes Barber, Greta Garcia Hernandez, Inmaculada Chulia Blanco, Jose Antonio Madrid Garcia, Lila Jurado Valdivia
Summary: This study presents the research conducted on two paintings on panels by the Institut Valencia de Conservacio, Restauracio i Investigacio (IVCR+i). The objectives of the study were to clarify the artistic-technological aspects of the paintings and to investigate the mechanisms of alteration of pictorial materials due to high temperatures. The results will contribute to the development of suitable stabilization and cleaning intervention methodologies.
Article
Archaeology
Katharine J. Waldron, Aviva Burnstock, Klaas Jan van den Berg, Margriet van Eikema Hommes, Luc Megens, Suzan de Groot
Summary: This study examines copper green glazes on a seventeenth-century harpsichord lid painting, focusing on the materials and techniques of the green paints and their brown discoloration. Analyses were conducted on paint samples using various techniques to investigate the chemical interactions between verdigris and linseed oil, as well as the historical materials and recipes for copper green glazes. Results suggest a correlation between pigment-medium interaction and oxidation, with artists using a range of copper-based pigments for green glazes besides copper acetate.
STUDIES IN CONSERVATION
(2022)
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Martha Elizabeth Romero, Michelle Carolina Marmol, Carlos Andres Vasquez, Fernando Edwin Espinoza, Rita del Consuelo Diaz, Edgar Santamaria Robles
Summary: The study of the work Milagro de la Virgen de Guapulo en su Santuario focused on understanding the technological aspects involved in its manufacture from a historical perspective. Through the combined use of non-invasive analytical techniques, ten pigments/colorants were identified and the technical pictorial sequences used by the artist were elucidated. The symbolic language, quality and cost of materials, and the individual artist's value determined the prestige and dignity of the work.
Article
Art
Ion Sandu, Ovidiu Tanasa, Ioan Cristinel Negru, Maria-Modesta Lupascu, Viorica Vasilache, Mihai Chirila
Summary: This paper examines the authenticity of a painting made in the style of Rene Magritte, as well as validates the assessment conducted by art historian Amelia Pavel. Through archaeometric and chemometric analysis, as well as various techniques such as multispectral imaging and microscopy, the paper concludes that the painting is indeed a work by Rene Magritte. Additionally, graphoscopic and archaeometric analysis reveals the owner of the inscription on the back of the painting to be Amelia Pavel.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CONSERVATION SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Spectroscopy
Simone Cagno, Geert van der Snickt, Stijn Legrand, Joost Caen, Mathilde Patin, Wendy Meulebroeck, Yarince Dirkx, Michael Hillen, Gunther Steenackers, Anastasia Rousaki, Peter Vandenabeele, Koen Janssens
Summary: This study critically compared the performance of four non-invasive techniques for in situ characterization of leaded glass windows, with MA-XRF providing the most detailed chemical information among the tested techniques. The aim was to assess the ability of these techniques to classify and group the colorless glass panes based on differences in composition.
X-RAY SPECTROMETRY
(2021)
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Ehab Al-Emam, Abdel Ghafour Motawea, Joost Caen, Koen Janssens
Summary: The study used double network gels as a controllable and safe cleaning method to remove thick layers of soot from ancient wall paintings successfully. The gel composites loaded with cleaning reagents proved to be effective for soot removal, providing a safe and efficient cleaning solution.
Article
Soil Science
Ignazio Allegretta, Stijn Legrand, Matthias Alfeld, Concetta Eliana Gattullo, Carlo Porfido, Matteo Spagnuolo, Koen Janssens, Roberto Terzano
Summary: SEM-EDX combined with microanalysis is a vital tool for analyzing the morphology and chemical characteristics of materials. Full hyperspectral dataset analysis using software like Datamuncher Gamma can successfully identify and segment different phases within soil aggregates, providing valuable information for studying complex matrices such as soil. This method allows for the analysis of various SEM-EDX data cubes and can be applied to different types of samples and research fields.
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Kirsten Derks, Geert Van der Snickt, Stijn Legrand, Katlijne Van der Stighelen, Koen Janssens
Summary: A significant number of baroque paintings exhibit dark, halo-like shapes, which were practical tools for artists during the early painting stages, providing essential tonal references and helping them anticipate the chromatic impact of the final dark colored backgrounds on adjacent delicate carnations. This 'halo solution' can be considered as a response to optical effects such as 'simultaneous contrast' and 'the crispening effect', developed by 17th-century artists as a means to efficiently neutralize the optical impact of surrounding colors, as proven by modern studies in visual perception.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Arthur Gestels, Geert Van der Snickt, Joost Caen, Gert Nuyts, Stijn Legrand, Frederik Vanmeert, Flore Detry, Koen Janssens, Gunther Steenackers
Summary: This article reports on the conservation-restoration of a 13th century stained-glass window. Through micro- and macro-level analysis, researchers were able to determine the origin and composition of the window, and successfully restore it to its former glory.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marine Cotte, Victor Gonzalez, Frederik Vanmeert, Letizia Monico, Catherine Dejoie, Manfred Burghammer, Loic Huder, Wout de Nolf, Stuart Fisher, Ida Fazlic, Christelle Chauffeton, Gilles Wallez, Nuria Jimenez, Francesc Albert-Tortosa, Nati Salvado, Elena Possenti, Chiara Colombo, Marta Ghirardello, Daniela Comelli, Ermanno Avranovich Clerici, Riccardo Vivani, Aldo Romani, Claudio Costantino, Koen Janssens, Yoko Taniguchi, Joanne McCarthy, Harald Reichert, Jean Susini
Summary: The European Synchrotron Radiation Facility has upgraded its light source, leading to improved beamline performances. To enhance data acquisition speed, new access modes have been developed. One of these modes guarantees beamtime for 10 European institutes, facilitating applications to cultural heritage.
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Letizia Monico, Francesca Rosi, Riccardo Vivani, Laura Cartechini, Koen Janssens, Nicolas Gauquelin, Dmitry Chezganov, Johan Verbeeck, Marine Cotte, Francesco D'Acapito, Lucrezia Barni, Chiara Grazia, Luciano Pensabene Buemi, Jean-Louis Andral, Costanza Miliani, Aldo Romani
Summary: This study investigates the photoluminescence properties and (photo)chemical reactivity of cadmium red pigments in oil paintings using a multi-length scale and multi-method approach. The results show that the relative intensity of deep level emissions (DLEs) is influenced by moisture, while the morphology, microstructure, and local atomic environment of the pigment particles have no effect on the DLEs.
EUROPEAN PHYSICAL JOURNAL PLUS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Nouchka De Keyser, Frederique Broers, Frederik Vanmeert, Steven De Meyer, Francesca Gabrieli, Erma Hermens, Geert Van der Snickt, Koen Janssens, Katrien Keune
Summary: This article discusses the visual implication of secondary degradation products in a degraded yellow rose in a still life painting, using a multimodal combination of chemical and optical imaging techniques. The study provides a 3D understanding of the transformation of the original intended appearance of the rose into its current degraded state.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Victor Gonzalez, Ida Fazlic, Marine Cotte, Frederik Vanmeert, Arthur Gestels, Steven De Meyer, Frederique Broers, Joen Hermans, Annelies van Loon, Koen Janssens, Petria Noble, Katrien Keune
Summary: The Night Watch, painted by Rembrandt in 1642, is his most famous work and is displayed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) mapping revealed the presence of lead(II) formate in the painting, which was not previously reported in historical oil paints. Model oil paint media were prepared and analyzed to investigate the reactivity of lead driers in oil matrices, and lead(II) formate and lead(II) formate hydroxide were detected and mapped, providing new insights into historical paintings.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Michael Hillen, Seppe Sels, Bart Ribbens, Simon Verspeek, Koen Janssens, Geert van der Snickt, Gunther Steenackers
Summary: When studying paintings with active infrared thermography (IRT), lock-in thermography (LIT) showed advantages over pulse thermography (PT) in minimizing temperature fluctuations and providing higher contrast and less noise in phase images. However, PT was better at showing the upper paint layer, which is important for observing subsurface defects or the support structure. The influence of camera spectral range on the results was also investigated, with the addition of a long-pass filter eliminating direct reflection artifacts caused by halogen light sources when using a mid-wave infrared (MWIR) camera.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ermanno Avranovich Clerici, Steven de Meyer, Frederik Vanmeert, Stijn Legrand, Letizia Monico, Costanza Miliani, Koen Janssens
Summary: This study examines the chromatic alteration of various paint types on mural painting fragments from The Upper Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi in Italy using synchrotron radiation. The fragments are from ceiling paintings attributed to Cimabue and Giotto, with different discoloration in white, blue/green, and brown/yellow/orange areas. X-ray fluorescence and diffraction maps were collected from the fragments, and paint cross-sections were analyzed using microscopic X-ray fluorescence and powder diffraction mapping. The study identified numerous secondary products on the painted surfaces, including copper tri-hydroxychloride, corderoite, calomel, plattnerite, scrutinyite, whewellite, and weddellite.
Editorial Material
Spectroscopy
Koen Janssens
X-RAY SPECTROMETRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Thomas De Kerf, Arthur Gestels, Koen Janssens, Paul Scheunders, Gunther Steenackers, Steve Vanlanduit
Summary: This study presents a novel method using hyperspectral imaging to detect and quantify atmospheric corrosion products on carbon steel. The results show that the method is able to obtain visually similar images, indicating that hyperspectral imaging could be a viable tool for the study of corrosion minerals.