Abstract
In this work, decorative wallpapers (19th century) from an historical palace located in Oiartzun (Basque Country, Spain) were analyzed before their restoration. Micro-energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy were used to investigate the elemental and molecular composition of pigments, the presence of binders, and the state of conservation of the paper support. The aim of the investigation was trying to understand the possible degradation pathways and identify the raw materials in order to choose the best restoration protocol according to the original aspect of wallpapers. As stated from both the elemental distribution and the identification of mineral phases by Raman spectroscopy, the most used pigment was lead chromate. It was mixed with other pigments such as ultramarine blue, zinc chromate, hematite, and atacamite among others to obtain different shades and they were applied mixed with an animal glue. Brass, identified thanks to elemental micro-EDXRF maps, was employed as a shiny decorative element. In addition, a partial degradation of cellulose was detected due to its natural ageing, the acidic nature of lignin, and to a phenomenon of humidity of the walls. Probably the deposition of black particulate matter was the cause of the darkening of the painting surfaces.
Highlights
Artworks on paper such as manuscripts, lithographs, watercolors, etc., are one of the most sensitive categories of artworks especially when they are exposed in open spaces, like decorative wallpapers, and they need special attention to be preserved
The wallpapers samples were analyzed at first with micro-EDXRF to obtain the eleelemental distribution of the compounds employed for their realization
A total of five samples were analyzed, the selected areas shown in the elemental distribution maps of Figure 1 were analyzed, the selected areas shown in the elemental distribution maps of Figure 1 were were representative of the whole analyzed samples as they included all colors of the representative of the whole analyzed samples as they included all colors of the wallpawallpapers; green, brown, purple, black, grey, and white
Summary
Artworks on paper such as manuscripts, lithographs, watercolors, etc., are one of the most sensitive categories of artworks especially when they are exposed in open spaces, like decorative wallpapers, and they need special attention to be preserved. The importance of the study of wallpapers has received more attention over the past decades as a result of the increasing interest of conservation of private cultural heritage preserved in the interior of historical houses and palaces. Private heritage has been converted into public heritage and many historic houses have been adapted to museums or art galleries. At the end of the 17th century, European manufacturers were already developing paper as a wallcovering. It became an essential decorative element in the homes of the bourgeois, for which a great interest quickly arose in making these products avoiding import from the East [1]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
