In this study, the investigation of the oil painting on canvas I Tesori del Mare made by Plinio Nomellini in 1901 is presented. The aim of the research was threefold: the examination of the state of conservation in view of the restoration treatment, together with the identification of the causes of degradation and the study of the artistic technique. During the years, the artwork underwent several cleaning and fixing interventions, resulting in a patchy appearance of the surface. Nevertheless, the presence of consistent liftings persists, while the protective coating shows uneven chromatic alteration, both requiring further analysis. Multispectral imaging allowed for better visualization of the figuration's structure and the restored areas. The combined use of Raman spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy in the Attenuated Total Reflection mode (FT-IR ATR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with an Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) enabled better understanding of the stratigraphy through the identification of some pigments, the binder, and the aged varnish layer on the top. SEM/EDS highlighted the presence of zinc in both the ground layer and the paint layers. Furthermore, FT-IR ATR spectroscopy showed peaks related to metal soaps such as zinc stearate, which are known to cause severe delamination of the paint layers, explaining the recurring lifting issues. Eventually, the varnish layer was found to be acrylic resin, presumably mixed with varnishes applied in past restoration treatments.

Combined use of non-invasive and micro-invasive analytical investigations to understand the state of conservation and the causes of degradation of I tesori del mare (1901) by Plinio Nomellini / Macchia, Andrea; Biribicchi, Chiara; Rivaroli, Laura; Aureli, H('(e))l(`(e))ne; Cerafogli, Eleonora; Colasanti, IRENE ANGELA; Carnazza, Paola; Demasi, Giuseppe; Francesco La Russa, Mauro. - In: METHODS AND PROTOCOLS. - ISSN 2409-9279. - 5:3(2022), pp. 1-18. [10.3390/mps5030052]

Combined use of non-invasive and micro-invasive analytical investigations to understand the state of conservation and the causes of degradation of I tesori del mare (1901) by Plinio Nomellini

Andrea Macchia
Co-primo
Conceptualization
;
Chiara Biribicchi
Co-primo
Conceptualization
;
Eleonora Cerafogli
Investigation
;
Irene Angela Colasanti
Investigation
;
2022

Abstract

In this study, the investigation of the oil painting on canvas I Tesori del Mare made by Plinio Nomellini in 1901 is presented. The aim of the research was threefold: the examination of the state of conservation in view of the restoration treatment, together with the identification of the causes of degradation and the study of the artistic technique. During the years, the artwork underwent several cleaning and fixing interventions, resulting in a patchy appearance of the surface. Nevertheless, the presence of consistent liftings persists, while the protective coating shows uneven chromatic alteration, both requiring further analysis. Multispectral imaging allowed for better visualization of the figuration's structure and the restored areas. The combined use of Raman spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy in the Attenuated Total Reflection mode (FT-IR ATR), and Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with an Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) enabled better understanding of the stratigraphy through the identification of some pigments, the binder, and the aged varnish layer on the top. SEM/EDS highlighted the presence of zinc in both the ground layer and the paint layers. Furthermore, FT-IR ATR spectroscopy showed peaks related to metal soaps such as zinc stearate, which are known to cause severe delamination of the paint layers, explaining the recurring lifting issues. Eventually, the varnish layer was found to be acrylic resin, presumably mixed with varnishes applied in past restoration treatments.
2022
FT-IR ATR; Raman; SEM/EDS; acrylic resin; cultural heritage; metal soaps; multispectral imaging; oil painting; zinc stearate; zinc white
01 Pubblicazione su rivista::01a Articolo in rivista
Combined use of non-invasive and micro-invasive analytical investigations to understand the state of conservation and the causes of degradation of I tesori del mare (1901) by Plinio Nomellini / Macchia, Andrea; Biribicchi, Chiara; Rivaroli, Laura; Aureli, H('(e))l(`(e))ne; Cerafogli, Eleonora; Colasanti, IRENE ANGELA; Carnazza, Paola; Demasi, Giuseppe; Francesco La Russa, Mauro. - In: METHODS AND PROTOCOLS. - ISSN 2409-9279. - 5:3(2022), pp. 1-18. [10.3390/mps5030052]
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11573/1649408
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