Advantages and pitfalls of the use of mobile Raman and XRF systems applied on cultural heritage objects in Tuscany (Italy)

Abstract

Mobile Raman and XRF systems are particularly suitable for the study of cultural heritage objects, allowing in situ, nondestructive analysis on a large variety of materials. Nowadays, thanks to technological developments, the size of the new generation of mobile instruments is reduced. Moreover, operation of the instrumentation is straightforward, as most instrumental settings and data interpretation are automated. However, automated data processing should be evaluated carefully and the risks of incorrect data collection and/or interpretation must be considered and prevented. Therefore, the aim of this research is to start a discussion about some of the challenging aspects and pitfalls, which can be encountered when using mobile techniques. Data collection and interpretation are examined when dealing with works of art. Those aspects are highlighted based on a measuring campaign carried out in Tuscany (Italy) in three different contexts: an archaeological excavation in the Late Roman Villa dell’Oratorio (Capraia-Limite sull’Arno, Florence), the analysis of a mosaic at the facade of the Pisa Cathedral and studies inside the Museo dell’Opera del Duomo (Pisa), where some outdoor statues are exhibited. Measurements were acquired with two state-of-the-art mobile Raman and one handheld X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) systems.