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Guglielmi V, Andreoli M, Comite V, Baroni A, Fermo P. The combined use of SEM-EDX, Raman, ATR-FTIR and visible reflectance techniques for the characterisation of Roman wall painting pigments from Monte d'Oro area (Rome): an insight into red, yellow and pink shades. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:29419-29437. [PMID: 34196870 PMCID: PMC9001301 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-15085-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this work has been the identification of the painter's materials employed in the wall decoration of some destroyed buildings dating approximately between the first century B.C. and the first century A.D. This research originates from a previously started joined archaeological and analytical investigation concerning a varied group of findings that resulted from a rescue excavation performed by Soprintendenza Archeologica in the area of Monte d'Oro in Rome. The focus of this study progression has been directed to a numerous selection of monochrome red, pink and yellow-pigmented fragments. The analyses were performed by means of scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) combined with Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies; visible reflectance measurements have also been carried out and the relevance of this technique in such a kind of archaeological studies has been highlighted. Most attention has been given to the assessment of the performances of non-destructive techniques achieved by portable Raman, and visible reflectance instrumentation to test their diagnostic capabilities. In addition to the expected and well-known pigments such as cinnabar, red ochre, hematite for the reds and yellow ochre for the yellows, the study highlighted a diffuse use of mixed colours and in some cases the possible presence of overlapped painted layers and confirmed the presence of gildings. Among the mixtures of pigments, the most singular outcome concerns the pink fragments revealing the possible application of bone white, which seems to be rather uncommon as a pigment in Roman wall decorations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittoria Guglielmi
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi, 19, Milan, Italy.
| | - Martina Andreoli
- Department of Humanities, University of Trento, via Tommaso Gar 14 I, Trento, Italy
| | - Valeria Comite
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi, 19, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Baroni
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi, 19, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Fermo
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Golgi, 19, Milan, Italy
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Heimann JE, Tucker JD, Huff LS, Kim YR, Ali J, Stroot MK, Welch XJ, White HE, Wilson ML, Wood CE, Gates GA, Rosenzweig Z, Bennett JW. Density Functional Theory (DFT) as a Nondestructive Probe in the Field of Art Conservation: Small-Molecule Adsorption on Aragonite Surfaces. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:13858-13871. [PMID: 35258292 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.1c23695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Humans have incorporated minerals in objects of cultural heritage importance for millennia. The surfaces of these objects, which often long outlast the humans that create them, are undeniably exposed to a diverse mixture of chemicals throughout their lifetimes. As of yet, the art conservation community lacks a nondestructive, accurate, and inexpensive flexible computational screening method to evaluate the potential impact of chemicals with art, as a complement to experimental studies. In this work, we propose periodic density functional theory (DFT) studies as a way to address this challenge, specifically for the aragonite phase of calcium carbonate, a mineral that has been used in pigments, marble statues, and limestone architecture since ancient times. Computational models allow art conservation scientists to better understand the atomistic impact of small-molecule adsorbates on common mineral surfaces across a wide variety of environmental conditions. To gain insight into the surface adsorption reactivity of aragonite, we use DFT to investigate the atomistic interactions present in small-molecule-surface interfaces. Our adsorbate set includes common solvents, atmospheric pollutants, and emerging contaminants. Chemicals that significantly disrupt the surface structure such as carboxylic acids and sulfur-containing molecules are highlighted. We also focus on comparing adsorption energies and changes in surface bonds, which allows for the identification of key features in the electronic structure presented in a projected-density-of-state analysis. The trends outlined here will guide future experiments and allow art conservators to gain a better understanding of how a wide range of molecules interact with an aragonite surface under variable conditions and in different environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Heimann
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland 21250, United States
| | - Jasper D Tucker
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland 21250, United States
| | - Layla S Huff
- Department of History, Geography, and Museum Studies, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland 21251, United States
| | - Ye Rin Kim
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland 21218, United States
| | - Jood Ali
- Mechanical Engineering Department, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland 21250, United States
| | - M Kaylor Stroot
- Department of Chemistry, McDaniel College, Westminster, Maryland 21157, United States
| | - Xavier J Welch
- Biology Department, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland 21251, United States
| | - Harley E White
- Department of Chemistry, McDaniel College, Westminster, Maryland 21157, United States
| | - Marcus L Wilson
- Department of Chemistry, Towson University, Towson, Maryland 21252, United States
| | - Cecelia E Wood
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, St. Mary's College of Maryland, St. Mary's City, Maryland 20686, United States
| | - Glenn A Gates
- Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, Maryland 21201, United States
| | - Zeev Rosenzweig
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland 21250, United States
| | - Joseph W Bennett
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Maryland Baltimore County, Baltimore, Maryland 21250, United States
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Tripković T, Vasić R, Lolić A, Baošić R. Determination of metals in artistic pigments using the optimized GFAAS method and Raman spectroscopy. CHEMICAL PAPERS 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11696-022-02110-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Bracci S, Cantisani E, Conti C, Magrini D, Vettori S, Tomassini P, Marano M. Enriching the knowledge of Ostia Antica painted fragments: a multi-methodological approach. SPECTROCHIMICA ACTA. PART A, MOLECULAR AND BIOMOLECULAR SPECTROSCOPY 2022; 265:120260. [PMID: 34507033 DOI: 10.1016/j.saa.2021.120260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents the study of selected painted fragments from different contexts of Ostia Antica city, dating between 2nd century BCE and the end of the 1st century CE. The aim is to identify the raw materials used and to understand the execution techniques through a non-invasive protocol including techniques based either on multiband imaging (Visible-VIS, Ultraviolet induced Luminescence - UVL and Visible Induced Luminescence - VIL) and single spot analyses (Fiber Optic Reflectance Spectroscopy- FORS and portable X-Ray Fluorescence spectrometry - XRF). The most representative and interesting fragments were sampled for further studies with laboratory techniques such as optical microscopy (OM) and electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared and micro-Raman Spectroscopies (FT-IR and μRaman). The extensive use of non-invasive techniques, even working on fragments, is proved to be the most robust and effective approach enabling the analysis of a high number of areas, dramatically increasing the statistical meaning of the collected data. The elaboration of such a huge number of data allows highlighting differences and similarities, thus achieving a more realistic overview of the materials composition and addressing the sampling to the more significant and complex areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Bracci
- Institute of Heritage Science - National Council of Research, Via Madonna del Piano, 10, 50019 Florence, Italy.
| | - Emma Cantisani
- Institute of Heritage Science - National Council of Research, Via Madonna del Piano, 10, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Claudia Conti
- Institute of Heritage Science - National Council of Research, Via Cozzi, 53, 20125 Milan, Italy
| | - Donata Magrini
- Institute of Heritage Science - National Council of Research, Via Madonna del Piano, 10, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Vettori
- Institute of Heritage Science - National Council of Research, Via Madonna del Piano, 10, 50019 Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Tomassini
- École française de Rome, Centro Studi Pittura Romana Ostiense, Italy
| | - Martina Marano
- Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique (FNRS), Université catholique de Louvain, Centro Studi Pittura Romana Ostiense, Italy
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The Irreplaceable Contribution of Cross Sections Investigation: Painted Plasters from the Sphinx Room (Domus Aurea, Rome). MINERALS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/min11010004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Fragments and micro-fragments of painted plasters from the Sphinx Room, recently discovered in the Domus Aurea Esquiline wing (Rome, Italy), were studied. They were respectively taken from the debris in the vicinity of the walls and from already damaged edges of the decorated walls. A previous study, mainly based on non-destructive and non-invasive investigations, proved effective in giving a general overview of the employed palette, allowing the comparison with paintings from the same palace and other coeval contexts, and also providing some preliminary hints concerning the pictorial technique. Nevertheless, some issues remained unsolved, concerning the pigment mixtures (e.g., lead-/iron-based yellow to red colors; copper-/iron-based green/greyish areas), and the a fresco/a secco painting technique debate. Therefore, cross sections of the above-mentioned fragments were observed by means of Optical (OM) and Scanning Electron (SEM) Microscopy and analyzed with micro-Raman spectroscopy and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS), with the aims of: studying the paint layer composition through point analysis and mapping of the elemental distribution; comparing these in relation to what was observed with previously reported non-destructive analyses; studying the stratigraphy of the painted plaster, focusing on the contact between the plaster and the paint.
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Advanced methods for the analysis of Roman wall paintings: elemental and molecular detection by means of synchrotron FT-IR and SEM micro-imaging spectroscopy. RENDICONTI LINCEI. SCIENZE FISICHE E NATURALI 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12210-020-00888-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Sbroscia M, Cestelli-Guidi M, Colao F, Falzone S, Gioia C, Gioia P, Marconi C, Mirabile Gattia D, Loreti E, Marinelli M, Missori M, Persia F, Pronti L, Romani M, Sodo A, Verona-Rinati G, Ricci M, Fantoni R. Multi-analytical non-destructive investigation of pictorial apparatuses of “Villa della Piscina” in Rome. Microchem J 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2019.104450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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De Lorenzi Pezzolo A, Colombi M, Mazzocchin GA. Spectroscopic and Chemometric Comparison of Local River Sands with the Aggregate Component in Mortars from Ancient Roman Buildings Located in the X Regio Between the Livenza and Tagliamento Rivers, Northeast Italy. APPLIED SPECTROSCOPY 2018; 72:1528-1537. [PMID: 29972314 DOI: 10.1177/0003702818789140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
A combined spectroscopic-chemometric approach is used to investigate the possible sources of material exploited by the Romans to build four domus and a public thermae complex (I century BC-II century AD) located in the X Regio portion between the rivers Livenza and Tagliamento in northeast Italy. The rounded grain shapes observed in the aggregates recovered from the mortar fragments suggest that the rivers flowing close to the archaeological sites are the most likely sources of material. Coarse-grained sediment samples from nine rivers and streams in this area are examined and their similarities to the aggregate samples evaluated. The diffuse reflection Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra of the sand samples in the 63-420 µm fraction, consisting mainly of carbonates and silicates, are studied and compared in suitable spectral ranges through principal components analysis. As an additional step, the relationship between the most significant scores plots and the composition of the samples is investigated using appropriate descriptive indexes obtained from the spectra. The analysis performed on the river sand spectra alone shows that the samples from the easternmost Lemene and Tagliamento rivers present a behavior distinct from that of the western rivers (Cosa, Livenza, Meduna, Meschio, and Noncello), in agreement with their present location and past history. All the aggregate spectra investigated are compatible with the spectral characteristics of the samples from the Tagliamento and Lemene rivers, except for those from the Torre di Pordenone site, which are more similar to the sand spectra of the western rivers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michela Colombi
- University Ca' Foscari Venezia, Department of Molecular Sciences and Nanosystems, Italy
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Mazzocchin GA, Rudello D, Murgia E. Analysis of Roman wall paintings found in Verona. ANNALI DI CHIMICA 2007; 97:807-22. [PMID: 17970297 DOI: 10.1002/adic.200790066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The present paper deals with the analysis of roman wall paintings fragments recovered from twelve buildings of Verona, Italy. The analytical techniques used were Optical Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) equipped with an EDS microanalysis detector, Xray powder diffraction (XRD) Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman Spectroscopy. The wall preparation generally consisted of three layer: the pictorial layer, an intonachino layer of hydrated lime and a plaster one made of slaked lime and sand. The pigments found in the studied domus are different reflecting the taste and culture of Xa Regio of Italy but also the economical possibilities of the dominus and the building period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gian Antonio Mazzocchin
- Dept. of Physical Chemistry, University Ca' Foscari of Venezia, Calle Larga S. Marta 2137, 30123 Venice, Italy.
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Mazzocchin GA, Rudello D, Maraković N, Marić I. Analysis of mural paintings in Istria. ANNALI DI CHIMICA 2007; 97:655-63. [PMID: 17899879 DOI: 10.1002/adic.200790050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Fragments of wall paintings from Istria, coming from the Basilica of Guran near Vodnjan, from the cemeterial Church of Saint Simeon in Guran and from the Benedictine monastery of Santa Maria Alta near Bale were studied. The analytical instrumental techniques used were Optical Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy equipped with an EDS microanalysis detector, X Ray diffraction, FTIR infrared Spectroscopy and Raman Spectroscopy. Red and yellow pigments used in Guran and Bale have bean derived from red and yellow istrian bauxites, as already demonstrated for works from 11th to 15th century. The blue pigment found in the paintings of the Bale Chapel is a lapislazzuli blue; this fact confirms the literature data referring to the period from 11th to the 16th century. The materials and pigments used at Bale and Guran fit with the Istrian tradition and history of painting going back to the first Carolingian period.
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Affiliation(s)
- G A Mazzocchin
- Department of Physical Chemistry, University Ca' Foscari of Venice, Calle Larga S. Marta 2137, 30123 Venice, Italy.
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Mazzocchin GA, Del Favero M, TASCA G. Analysis of Pigments from Roman Wall Paintings Found in the “Agro Centuriato” of Julia Concordia (Italy). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 97:905-13. [DOI: 10.1002/adic.200790075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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