Non-destructive characterization of artworks in paper support using spectroscopic techniques

• Autor(es): Pessanha, Sofia
• Data: 2013
• Identificador Persistente: http://hdl.handle.net/10451/10516
• Origem: Repositório da Universidade de Lisboa
• Assunto(s): Pigmentos; Espectroscopia de Raman; Composição química; Teses de doutoramento - 2013
• Tipo de Documento: Tese de doutoramento
• Idioma: Inglês
• Orientador(es): Carvalho, Maria Luísa, 1950-
• Contribuidor(es): Repositório da Universidade de Lisboa

Descrição

Tese de doutoramento, Física, Universidade de Lisboa, Faculdade de Ciências, 2013

The work here presented aims at demonstrating the efficacy of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) with portable setups, sometimes complemented by Raman spectroscopy in providing answers for characterization, conservation and authentication issues related with artworks in paper and parchment support. The work begins with a short section regarding the state of the art on the use of portable XRF and Raman spectroscopy in the study of artworks in paper and parchment support. The suitability of the techniques has already been greatly established, however constant improvements from the technological point of view, grant different capabilities. The work is presented as a group of case studies with the intention of providing answers in three major topics: the application of μ-XRF to the study of discolorations in paper documents and drawings, the study of the pigments used in Namban paper folding screens to accomplish their characterization, dating and authentication and the establishment of methodologies for determining/evaluating the thickness of gold leaf used for gilding. In some of these case studies we were approached by conservators who had specific demands and then we pursued similar artworks to improve the corpus of study. The most remarkable aspect of these studies is that all XRF analyses were performed in situ and when there was need for complementary information micro-samples were collected for Raman analysis. This way, the main goals in Cultural Heritage studies were obtained: the artworks were not damaged nor removed from their original location.

Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT, PhD grant SFRH/BD/60778/2009)