Speaker
Description
The characterization of Cultural Heritage (CH) materials requires a multiscale and multi-analytical approach to fully understand the complexity of both original constituents and degradation products. This work discusses the potential of integrating diverse spectroscopic techniques across different spatial resolutions (micro and macro scale). Two primary technological approaches are highlighted:
At the macroscopic scale, the implementation of an in situ multisensor scanning system. This methodology enables the simultaneous or sequential acquisition of elemental and molecular data, specifically through Macro X-Ray Fluorescence (MA-XRF), UV-induced Fluorescence (UVF), and external reflection FT-IR (rFTIR), directly on the artwork’s surface. The system is engineered to generate extensive hyperspectral chemical maps, allowing for the correlation of diverse material signals while ensuring the total physical integrity of the object.
At the microscopic scale, the development of an integrated workflow for high-resolution imaging on painted surfaces. This approach involves a Vis-UV microscope coupled with a hyperspectral camera and micro-FTIR spectroscopy to define molecular composition, complemented by SEM-EDX analysis to achieve precise elemental characterization. All of these techniques can be performed both on the sample surface and across stratigraphic cross-sections.
By combining these two methodologies, it is possible to obtain a global understanding of the artwork's surface distribution to a precise chemical characterization of its microscopic layers, providing a complete view of the material history, artistic techniques, and conservation state.