Article
Chemistry, Physical
Maria Paz Saez-Perez, Jorge A. Duran-Suarez, Amparo Verdu-Vazquez, Tomas Gil-Lopez
Summary: Gypsum-based pastes are widely used in the construction sector and play a significant role in conserving and restoring the world's cultural heritage. This research evaluated the physical, chemical, and hydraulic properties of special gypsum-based colored pastes mixed with lime and sodium silicate, as well as eight different pigments. The studies analyzed the mechanical characteristics and colorimetric implications of these pastes after 28 and 120 days. The results confirmed the suitability of the pigmented pastes for common applications, with the gypsum mineral crystallization helping to consolidate shrinkage cracks and improve mechanical strength. The inclusion of sodium silicate in the mixes also contributed to good mechanical behavior. The pastes containing green earth pigment showed substantial improvement in compressive strength. Colorimetric analysis proved vital in accurately determining color intensity loss in the pastes.
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Caroline Bouvier, Sebastiaan Van Nuffel, Philippe Walter, Alain Brunelle
Summary: Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) imaging is a surface analysis technique that can identify and spatially resolve the chemical composition of a sample in a non-destructive manner, making it particularly suitable for analyzing painting samples in cultural heritage research.
JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY
(2022)
Article
Archaeology
Francesca Volpi, Mauela Vagnini, Riccardo Vivani, Marco Malagodi, Giacomo Fiocco
Summary: This study focuses on the non-invasive study and identification of red and yellow pigments frequently used in ancient wall-paintings, using portable instruments. Through comparisons between laboratory mock-ups and real samples, distinctive features of the pigments were identified, offering a new analytical method.
JOURNAL OF CULTURAL HERITAGE
(2023)
Article
Computer Science, Software Engineering
Imanol Munoz-Pandiella, Carlos Andujar, Begonya Cayuela, Xavier Pueyo, Carles Bosch
Summary: Digital color restitution aims to restore the original colors of a painting through digital means. To address the limitations of existing image editing applications, we propose an automated workflow that only requires input of representative source and target colors from art historians. This approach allows for the restoration of colors in large collections of paintings or different regions of the same painting.
COMPUTERS & GRAPHICS-UK
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Marcos Lanzon, Maria Jose Madrid-Balanza, Izaskun Martinez-Peris, Victoria E. Garcia-Vera, David Navarro-Moreno
Summary: This study investigates the construction technique and characterisation of original mortars and wall paintings in the Roman Forum district of Carthago Nova, Spain. Various analytical methods were used to examine the materials, including optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, colour tests, and chemical composition analysis. The results show that the mortars have a multi-layered pattern, with the top layer primarily made of calcite and the central and bottom layers likely made of pozzolanic materials. Unusual minerals, such as cerussite, were found in some layers, possibly indicating post-Roman activities at the site. The wall paintings were decorated with red hematite, black graphite, and hydroxyapatite, suggesting the use of animal bones in the production of black pigments. Additionally, some fragments were coated with organic substances for color enhancement and durability. SEM examination and EDX analyses confirm these findings and reveal the presence of NaCl surface crusts due to natural weathering.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Lingxi Liu, Tsveta Miteva, Giovanni Delnevo, Silvia Mirri, Philippe Walter, Laurence de Viguerie, Emeline Pouyet
Summary: Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) is widely used in cultural heritage (CH), generating large amounts of spectral data. Neural networks (NNs) have become a promising alternative for processing such data due to their flexibility and ability to extract structures from raw spectral data. This review analyzes the literature on NNs applied to HSI data in the CH field, outlining data processing workflows and comparing input dataset preparation methods and NN architectures. The study contributes to a wider and more systematic application of NNs in CH.
Article
Spectroscopy
V. Lazic, M. Romani, L. Pronti, M. Angelucci, M. Cestelli-Guidi, M. Mangano, R. Fantoni
Summary: Small fragments of oil paintings by Bellini and Brughi were analyzed using SEM-EDX, FTIR spectroscopy, and LIBS to determine the elemental and molecular composition of the surface layers. The study helped identify pigments, priming layers, and possible material provenance, as well as distinguish surface contaminations and retouches from the original pictorial materials.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART B-ATOMIC SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Francesca Gabrieli, John K. Delaney, Robert G. Erdmann, Victor Gonzalez, Annelies van Loon, Patrick Smulders, Roy Berkeveld, Robert van Langh, Katrien Keune
Summary: The study used visible and infrared reflectance imaging spectroscopy to analyze Rembrandt's masterpiece "The Night Watch", aiming to identify artist materials, painting techniques, and current state for conservation. High-sensitivity line scanning hyperspectral cameras were used to construct a reflectance image cube with detailed analysis and recording of the painting.
Article
Imaging Science & Photographic Technology
Francesca A. Pisu, Daniele Chiriu, Evgenia Klironomou, Giannis Zacharakis, George J. Tserevelakis
Summary: Photoacoustic (PA) imaging is a powerful diagnostic technique that has found applications in Cultural Heritage (CH) diagnostics. In this study, PA imaging was used to precisely analyze layered fresco samples, with Spatially Off-set Raman Spectroscopy (SORS) providing complementary information. The results from both techniques were in agreement and confirmed through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis. The combined use of PA imaging and SORS proved useful in the detailed investigation of hidden information in fresco samples.
JOURNAL OF IMAGING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Xiaolu Sun, Weixiang Chen, Bingjian Zhang
Summary: The aging of proteinaceous binders can cause diseases such as flaking, cracks, and peeling in cultural relics. Timely identification of binders is beneficial for the restoration of diseased cultural relics. A portable electrochemical microfluidic device was developed for simultaneous detection of casein, ovalbumin, and peach gum binders. The proposed technology achieved miniaturization, portability, and reagent-saving goals, with excellent performance in terms of detection limits and acceptable anti-interference ability, stability, and storage capacity.
ANALYTICA CHIMICA ACTA
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Jose Marcial, Maria Rita Cicconi, Carolyn Pearce, Jaroslav Klouzek, James J. Neeway, Richard Pokorny, Miroslava Vernerova, John S. McCloy, Emily T. Nienhuis, Rolf Sjoblom, Jamie L. Weaver, Russell J. Hand, Pavel Hrma, Daniel R. Neuville, Albert A. Kruger
Summary: This study investigated the melting behavior, glass transition temperature, oxidation state, network structure, and chemical durability of 1500-year-old vitrified hillfort glasses. The results showed that the oxidation state of iron affected the network connectivity of the glass-forming melt, but it did not affect the chemical durability of the final glass. Glasses with lower network connectivity had lower viscosity and transition temperature.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CERAMIC SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Hannah A. Lawther, G. Asher Newsome
Summary: Common sampling methods for mass spectrometry, such as sectioning, cause damage to cultural heritage objects. A new liquid microjunction sampling technique minimizes solvent usage for analysis. By using this technique, organic red pigment in painted illustrations on a 17th century parchment manuscript from Spain was identified without significant visible disruption to the object surface.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY
(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
Microbiology
Maura Di Vito, Lara Vergari, Melinda Mariotti, Maria Rita Proto, Lorenzo Barbanti, Stefania Garzoli, Maurizio Sanguinetti, Luigia Sabatini, Alice Peduzzi, Maria Grazia Bellardi, Paola Mattarelli, Francesca Bugli, Daphne De Luca
Summary: This study tested the antifungal effectiveness of a natural, eco-friendly, and safe emulsion called Zege on modern paintings and conducted both in vitro and in situ experiments. The results showed that Zege spray demonstrated good antifungal effects and had no significant impact on the chemical-physical characteristics of the paintings.
Article
Spectroscopy
Maria Cristina Caggiani, Germana Barone, Paolo Mazzoleni
Summary: Raman spectroscopy is commonly used for studying glassy materials in cultural heritage, but it is more difficult to interpret the spectra and apply the technique with portable instruments. In contrast, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) can be used in archaeometric investigations as it is portable and non-invasive. However, there is limited application of this technique to historical glasses. This exploratory work demonstrates the potential of DRIFTS, in combination with portable X-ray Fluorescence (pXRF) and EDS microanalyses, for studying the composition and alteration of glass samples in cultural heritage.
SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA PART A-MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY
(2024)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Liliana Gianni, Helene Renel, Aleksandar Kremenovic, Philippe Colomban
Summary: Representative 'Blue speckled' and 'Brown speckled' wares from Qalhat and Bahla in Oman were analyzed using various techniques. The study revealed differences in composition, firing temperatures, and glaze types and compositions. It is suggested that the wares were locally produced, but the origin of the glazes used in the 'Blue speckled' wares remains uncertain.
BOLETIN DE LA SOCIEDAD ESPANOLA DE CERAMICA Y VIDRIO
(2022)
Article
Spectroscopy
Philippe Colomban, Michele Gironda, Howell G. M. Edwards, Viviane Mesqui
Summary: This study examines the early European porcelains made before the discovery of kaolin in Saxony, Germany. Analysis of blue-and-white artifacts from French national collection revealed different factories of origin and enamel types used. Mobile XRF and Raman instruments proved useful for on-site classification of artifacts.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Diana Mancini, Aline Percot, Ludovic Bellot-Gurlet, Philippe Colomban, Paola Carnazza
Summary: This study utilized Specular Reflectance Infrared Spectroscopy (SR-FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy to successfully identify the diversity of paints used in artworks created by German and Italian painters around the 1960s. The methodology proved effective in distinguishing acrylic, vinylic, oil media, and enamel paints, complemented by Raman analyses for pigment identification.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Philippe Colomban, Anh-Tu Ngo, Howell G. M. Edwards, Linda C. Prinsloo, L. Valerie Esterhuizen
Summary: Shards of Blue-and-White Ming porcelain from shipwrecks of Portuguese ships found on the coasts of South Africa, as well as a shard from Mombasa (Kenya), were analyzed using optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, and Raman microspectroscopy. The study revealed differences in the composition of the porcelain body paste and types of glazes used, with blue decoration characteristic of materials rich in manganese.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Philippe Colomban
Summary: This study compares the Raman signatures of different colored enamels used in European, Chinese, and Japanese porcelains and enameled metalworks. The results show that Raman microspectroscopy can identify fingerprint spectra of milestone technologies and is a useful tool for detecting copies.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Philippe Colomban
Summary: A didactic review of vibrational spectroscopy procedures for studying mobile protonic species in solid hydrates, crystals and ceramics is proposed. Representative examples of materials are given, and the advantages of isotopic substitution and dilution measurements are discussed. The vibrational signatures of different proton species and the characterization of protonic species without or with weak vibrational signatures are presented. The presence of a strong incoherent inelastic neutron scattering background appears to be characteristic of proton conductors.
SOLID STATE IONICS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Philippe Colomban, Gulsu Simsek Franci, Jacques Burlot, Xavier Gallet, Bing Zhao, Jean-Baptiste Clais
Summary: On-site pXRF analysis is conducted on French collections of decorated porcelains from the Qing Dynasty to identify enamel types, ions and coloring phases, as well as differentiate between Chinese/Asian raw materials and those imported by European missionaries. The study focuses on cobalt-associated elements, impurities in the silicate matrix, and the use of gold or copper nanoparticles. Comparisons are made with previous measurements on Qing imperial porcelains, Cantonese productions, and blue-and-white wares from different museums and collections.
CERAMICS-SWITZERLAND
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Jacques Burlot, Divine Vangu, Ludovic Bellot-Gurlet, Philippe Colomban
Summary: This study analyzes the yellow pigments of enameled objects from 18th century French and Chinese productions and identifies different types of Raman signatures. The combination of spectral decomposition parameters and PCA analysis proves effective in categorizing the pigments.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Spectroscopy
Jacques Burlot, Divine Vangu, Ludovic Bellot-Gurlet, Philippe Colomban
Summary: Raman analysis is utilized to study the phases observed in the different colored enamels of French and Chinese objects from the 18th century. The effectiveness of a solid-state spectroscopic approach and a multivariate chemometric approach is compared. The incorporation of spectra from similar phases in the literature is crucial for obtaining quality results. The combination of visual observation and multivariate analysis reveals that different production techniques result in variations in the peaks associated with the main As-O stretching vibration. Arsenic-based opacifiers are detected in the enamelled artifacts, both in French and Chinese objects.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Philippe Colomban, Gulsu Simsek Franci
Summary: Raw materials play a significant role in determining the composition and properties of fired ceramics. Raman analysis was used to characterize the micro- and nanostructures of glazes from various regions, revealing three different types of glazes and identifying specific color compositions. Different pigments and opacifiers were also identified. The results provide insights into the production and connection between different ceramic artifacts.
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Philippe Colomban, Gulsu Simsek Franci, Michele Gironda, Pauline d'Abrigeon, Anne-Claire Schumacher
Summary: Raman and XRF analyses have shown that it is possible to identify specific phases and elements used in ceramics made with European recipes and ingredients. The study focused on ceramics produced in the Forbidden City during the Qing Dynasty and in Guangzhou, and found that they used the same raw materials. The study also observed some artifacts with anachronistic characteristics that suggest they were produced around 1850.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Philippe Colomban, Michele Gironda, Gulsu Simsek Franci, Pauline D'Abrigeon
Summary: This study applies non-invasive on-site portable techniques, Raman microscopy, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy to analyze imperial bowls and decorated dishes from the Qing Dynasty. The findings reveal variations in coloring agents and glaze compositions, highlighting the uniqueness of each object instead of small-scale production.
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Gulsu Simsek Franci, Philippe Colomban
Summary: The invention of European hard porcelain, which imitates Chinese porcelain, began with the development of red porcelain technology by Johann Friedrich Bottger in Meissen, Saxony. This study compares the chemical characteristics of European and Chinese red stoneware using on-site characterization techniques. The results show significant differences between Dutch objects and others, and provide a methodology for distinguishing the provenance and authenticity of artifacts.
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Philippe Colomban, Anh-Tu Ngo, Nicolas Fournery
Summary: Six rare porcelains from the Qing Dynasty were analyzed using non-invasive Raman microspectrometry. The study found that European ingredients and/or recipes were used, indicating China's role as both an importer of European know-how and an exporter of enameled products with imported technologies during the 18th century. Different recipes or raw materials may be the signature of different workshops.
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Philippe Colomban, Gulsu Simsek Franci, Farahnaz Koleini
Summary: Ancient tombs were discovered near Vohemar village in Madagascar in the late 19th century, revealing a major necropolis active from the 13th to the 18th centuries, with artifacts like Chinese ceramic shards and glass trade beads. Analysis of carnelian and glass trade beads using a mobile Raman spectrometer showed that most beads originated from southern Asia and Europe, confirming the role of northern Madagascar in the maritime networks of the Western Indian Ocean during the 15th-16th centuries.