D. Juanes

Study of inks on paper engravings using portable EDXRF spectrometry

Abstract The prints are fragile and delicate art objects that need for its examination a suitable technique for “in situ”, non-destructive and rapid analyses. The energy dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry with portable instrumentation offers these analytical properties. In this work we present the EDXRF analyses of eight engravings elaborated with different techniques (etching and heliogravure) from the 17th to 20th centuries. The characterization of the paper is directly done from its EDXRF spectra, whereas the inks are characterized by the ink plus paper analysis after subtracting the background from the paper spectrum. Inorganic components of the paper engravings and inks have been identified from the EDXRF spectra and the results are discussed. Also, we present EDXRF analyses for the identification of inorganic components from six samples of modern inks.

Computed tomography studies applied to polychromed sculpture: the making process in three different times

The Insituto Valenciano de Conservacion y Restauracion de Bienes Culturales (IVC+R), in collaboration with the Servicio de Restauracion de la Diputacion de Castellon and Consorcio Hospitalario Provincial de Castellon, is developing a line of research in polychromed sculpture by medical computed tomography (CT). Using this technique, the making process, degradation and structural diagnostics of different sculptures from different periods, are being studied. Furthermore, the information given by CT and is an important support in the intervention and restoration processes. We analyzed 20 wood sculptures from different times. In this paper we show some examples. The ultimate aim of the project is being carried out is to recover, document and classify the different makings process of sculpture over time and in different workshops.

Synthesis and characterization of nanostructured bao solutions: application in conservation of wall paintings

This paper shows a study about the preparation and characterization of nanostructured BaO suspensions and their evaluation as consolidant products for lime stone supports. Product preparation was made by chemical synthesis of coprecipitation in non-aqueous solutions of barium acetate [Ba (CH3CO2)2] and sodium hydroxide [NaOH] reagents, with the use of ethylene glycol as a reaction medium. The nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showing that all syntheses carried out with different experimental conditions gave a 20-50 nm particle size. This paper also evaluated the first results on the application of synthesized BaO on samples of wall paintings by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX) and colorimetry. The results indicate that the nanostructurated BaO products may have a protection or pre-consolidation function on wall paint layers. The superficial application of the product forms a thin layer, compatible with the chemical nature of the wall painting and produces a consolidating action, on the surface.