X-ray techniques in the investigation of a Gothic sculpture : the risen Christ

• Autorzy: Mikołajska A. , Walczak M. , Kaszowska Z. , Urbańczyk-Zawadzka M.
• Konferencja: Proceedings of the International Conference on Development and Applications of Nuclear Technologies NUTECH-2011, 11-14 September 2011, Kraków, Poland
• Języki publikacji: EN

Abstrakty

EN

For over a century, X-ray radiation has played an important role in the area of the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage objects. X-ray techniques are amongst the most fundamental and helpful methods used in the investigation of art works. This paper reviews the application of traditional radiography, X-ray dual source computed tomography (DSCT) and scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersed X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) to the investigation of a wooden, Gothic sculpture, The risen Christ. Thanks to the properties of X-ray radiation (different absorption by various materials) first two methods allow the assessment of the preservation state and the observation of the internal structure of an object in 3-D. While SEM-EDX analysis permits the elemental analysis of the polychrome layers. As a result 2-D and 3-D images, permitting the full volume inspection of an object, were taken in a totally non-destructive way. The morphological and physical information about the inner structure of the investigated wooden sculpture was obtained, revealing changes related to previous restorations, as well as ageing effects. Employing the SEM-EDX, painting materials (pigments and filers), were identified. Gained data is essential for restorers to understand the whole structure of the studied object and to decide which further investigation and restoration steps have to be undertaken.

Słowa kluczowe

EN

cultural heritage; X-ray image; X-ray dual source computed tomography (DSCT); scanning electron microscopy energy dispersed X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX)

• Wydawca: Institute of Nuclear Chemistry and Technology
• Czasopismo: Nukleonika
• Rocznik: 2012
• Tom: Vol. 57, No. 4
• Strony: 627--631
• Opis fizyczny: Bibliogr. 8 poz., rys.

Twórcy

autor

Mikołajska A.

autor

Walczak M.

autor

Kaszowska Z.

autor

Urbańczyk-Zawadzka M.

• Faculty of Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art, Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków, 27/29 Lea Str., 30-052 Kraków, Poland, Tel.: [phone] ext. 37, Fax: [phone],

Bibliografia

• 1. Bettuzzi M, Brancaccio R, Casali F et al. (2004) Innovative systems for digital radiography and computed tomography: applications for cultural heritage diagnostics. In: Martini M, Milazzo M, Piacentini M (eds) Physics methods in archaeometry. IOS Press, Amsterdam, pp 461–470
• 2. Gilardoni A, Ascani Orsini R, Taccani S (1977) X-rays in art. Gilardoni S.p.A., Mandello Lario (Como)
• 3. Janssens V (2004) X-ray based methods of analysis. In: Janssens K, Van Grieken R (eds) Non-destructive microanalysis of cultural heritage materials. Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp 129–226
• 4. Morigi MP, Casali F, Berdondini A et al. (2007) X-ray 3D computed tomography of large objects: investigation of an ancient globe created by Vincenzo Coronelli. In: Fatakis C, Pezzati L, Salimberi R (eds) Optics for arts, architecture, and archaeology. Proceedings of SPIE, vol. 6618
• 5. Morigi MP, Casali F, Bettuzzi M et al. (2007) CT investigation of two paintings on wood tables by Gentile da Fabriano. Nucl Instrum Methods Phys Res A 580:735–738
• 6. Morigi MP, Casali F, Bettuzzi M et al. (2010) Application of X-ray computed tomography to cultural heritage diagnostics. Appl Phys A 100:653–661
• 7. Schreiner M, Melcher M, Uhlir K (2007) Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive analysis – applications in the field of cultural heritage. J Anal Bioanal Chem 387:737–747
• 8. Sprig M, Higgitt C, Saunders D (2005) Investigation of pigment-medium interaction processes in oil paint containing degraded smalt. National Gallery Technical Bulletin 26:56–70