Abstract
“The Plague in Lucca”, a masterpiece of the contemporary painter Lorenzo Viani, was studied by multi-analytical techniques (Multiband, IR and UV fluorescence imaging, micro-Raman spectroscopy, direct exposure–mass spectrometry, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence) in view of its restoration at the Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art (GAMC) of Palazzo delle Muse in Viareggio (Lucca, Italy). The analysis allowed to obtain a better understanding of the artistic technique of the painter and to underline critical conservation aspects. At first, non-invasive techniques, such as the Multiband Imaging, Infrared Reflectometry, UV Fluorescence and X-ray Fluorescence, have been applied in order to characterize the conservation state of the painting surface and determining the more representative zones of the painting for the taking of micro-samples to be analysed in the laboratory. The destructive chemical analysis of these micro-samples, performed using mass (DEMS and GC/MS) and infrared spectroscopy (micro-Raman), permitted to reveal the nature of the organic and inorganic materials present in the painting. The use of different physical and chemical diagnostic techniques allowed us to obtain precious information about the palette and the technique used by Lorenzo Viani for the realization of “La Peste a Lucca”. Furthermore, this approach permit to characterize paintings, to understand the nature and origin of materials used by the artist and to develop the appropriate restoration procedure.
Highlights
The desire to understand the painting masterpieces and tell the story behind them has driven the science to develop more and more sophisticated analytical chemical procedures and instrumental techniques
This paper focuses on the examination of a large oil on canvas, “La Peste a Lucca (i Lebbrosi)” (“The Plague in Lucca (Lepers)”) (200 cm × 400 cm) which was painted by Lorenzo Viani between 1913 and 1915 (Fig. 1)
On the basis of these results, four micro-samples were taken from different parts of the canvas in order to determine the nature of the inorganic and organic materials used by the artist with micro-Raman and mass spectrometry techniques
Summary
The desire to understand the painting masterpieces and tell the story behind them has driven the science to develop more and more sophisticated analytical chemical procedures and instrumental techniques. The use of advanced analytical technologies and techniques to understand the material behavior and to develop methods for material stabilization, strengthening, monitoring, and repair is fundamental. Such chemical-physical approaches permit to characterize paintings, to understand the nature and origin of materials used to create a work-of-art, and to highlight the degradation processes undergone. This knowledge allows us to understand the painting technique and to choose the appropriate restoration procedure
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
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 call