In the TV show entitled Image of Images natural science and art history research of the project were presented. The importance of model samples preparation, as well as their artificial accelerated ageing, and degradation determination of the selected cultural heritage materials was emphasised. That way, already for model samples the degradation processes can be predicted and suitable conservation – restoration procedures can be planed. These verified procedures can then be applied to real art objects, in our case baroque easel paintings.
F.27 Contribution to preserving/protecting natural and cultural heritage
COBISS.SI-ID: 512617259Surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was utilised for detection of organic pigments and dyes of cultural heritage samples. For that purpose, substrates based on silver nanoparticles were prepared and characterised. Also, a new viscous UV-photoreduced substrate was prepared. Hydroxyproply cellulose was used as a stabiliser, thus possible precipitation of the silver was avoided. Their SERS activity was tested with alizarin as a probe molecule. Furthermore, substrates enabled the detection of synthetic organic pigment Alizarin Crimson dark (alizarin), organic dye Alizarin Carmine (Alizarin Red S, sodium alizarinsulfonate) and organic lake pigment Madder Lake violet (purpurin, alizarin). Latter two were also detected in colour layers prepared with different organic binders. Analysis was successful with no interfering signal of other organic compounds; therefore it was shown that no pre-treatment of the sample is needed prior analysis. Based on these results, it was established that new UV-photoreduced substrate among prepared substrates shows optimal characteristics for analysis of cultural heritage samples. Additionally, it was possible to detect organic pigment on cross section of the sample taken from the model painting prepared according to Baroque painting techniques.
D.10 Educational activities
COBISS.SI-ID: 36165125The large altarpiece of St. Nicholas is one of Tintoretto's late works and it was painted for the former chapter house, today’s cathedral in Novo mesto. Like the majority of the artist's work, the painting of St Nicholas is not signed or dated. Since the 19th century the painting has undergone a series of restoration treatments, which considerably changed its appearance. The contribution at the conference presents the professional work (scientific research and conservation-restoration treatments), which has been carried out on the painting in recent years.
B.06 Other
COBISS.SI-ID: 512725035According to traditional Baroque recipes easel (model) paintings were prepared containing different paint layers and exposed to different environmental influences. Physical and chemical properties of different paint layers were examined, which occur under variations of UV-Vis radiation, pollution, and exposure to humidity and temperature oscillations. Utilizing Raman microscopy, degradation products of lead white, prepared in oil media and un-fatty egg tempera, after UV-Vis exposure were determined. Degradation products of azurite, prepared in oil media after the exposure to temperature and relative humidity oscillations were also identified, as well as changes in the composition of cinnabar, prepared in linseed oil, after exposure to pollutants. This research was presented at 7th International Congress on the Application of Raman Spectroscopy in Art and Archaeology.
B.03 Paper at an international scientific conference
COBISS.SI-ID: 512971563The present invention is from the field of technology of materials and restoration and relates to the procedure of consolidation of porous mineral materials. First step is preparation of a solution of calcium acetoacetate Ca(OOCCH2COCH3)2 in a solvent. Then as prepared solution is applied on the surfaces of materials, allowing the penetration of the solution inside the material. In the pores of porous material calcium acetoacetate transforms into calcium carbonate CaCO3 which has consolidation effect on the material. The procedure of application the mentioned solution of calcium acetoacetate Ca(OOCCH2COCH3)2 can be repeated at least once if needed. Water id preferential solvent, but optionally ethanol, methanol or mixture of them can be used. This consolidant was tested for consolidation of ground layers of easel paintings, for which often calcium carbonate was used.
F.33 Slovenian patent
COBISS.SI-ID: 2091367