Unveiling hidden text: advanced X-ray fluorescence imaging of severely damaged manuscript Folios from MS Turin, BNU, L.II.14 (T).

This study explores the application of the non-destructive X-ray fluorescence imaging technique (µ-XRF) on severely damaged pages of the medieval manuscript L.II.14 (T), housed in the Biblioteca Nazionale Universitaria di Torino (BNU). Following severe damage caused by the fire of 1904, the manuscript presents notable challenges for legibility and conservation. The use of the high-sensitivity and high-lateral resolution mobile µ-XRF scanning system developed by CNR-ISPC (Catania), equipped with real-time imaging capabilities, was installed at the BNU, allowing the acquisition of elemental distribution images of inks and pigments. The analytical results have enabled improvements in the readability of the heavily burnt texts. This first diagnostic campaign represents a crucial step toward the development of a non-invasive analytical protocol aimed at preserving and recovering the text of T, while also characterizing the materials and artistic techniques used in the miniatures. Additionally, it will enhance our understanding of the degradation mechanisms, aiding in the formulation of appropriate conservation strategies