Journal Description
Heritage
Heritage
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal of cultural and natural heritage science published monthly by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), and other databases.
- Journal Rank: CiteScore - Q1 (Conservation)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 16.9 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.4 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
1.7 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
1.6 (2022)
Latest Articles
pXRF and Polychromy: Identifying Pigments on Limestone Statuary from the Roman Limes, Preliminary Results
Heritage 2024, 7(3), 1701-1726; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7030080 - 18 Mar 2024
Abstract
This paper presents the preliminary results of an investigation on the unexplored topic of polychromy on provincial stone sculptures from the Roman provinces in Germania through the innovative application of heritage materials science techniques. A group of three life-sized statues dating to the
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This paper presents the preliminary results of an investigation on the unexplored topic of polychromy on provincial stone sculptures from the Roman provinces in Germania through the innovative application of heritage materials science techniques. A group of three life-sized statues dating to the 1st Century CE recovered from Ingelheim, near Mainz, retains remarkably well-preserved traces of pigments. These are ripe for emerging non-invasive technologies supplemented by micro-sampling to validate results and provide information relating to mixing and layering not available to the naked eye. The most strikingly visible areas of extant polychromy were retained on the sculpture of a young woman, reported on here as the first phase of this programme of research. The results suggest that the statue was originally covered in a gypsum layer before the application of complex and diverse recipes of pigment applied as mixtures and in layers to create required hues and shadowing on sculpted features. The palette includes ochres and green earth mixed with small amounts of minium (red lead), realgar and lapis lazuli (ultramarine blue) added to create skin tones, and a vibrant blue-green tunic created from Egyptian blue, bone black, ochres, cinnabar and green earth; the palla and peplos contained ochres, bone black, and orpiment, and mixes of these created the detail of coloured jewellery. Of great interest was the detection of bone black on many features, particularly as a shading agent to enhance sculpted features, such as folds in cloth, providing a more realistic and flowing articulation. This is a revolutionary observation that provides previously unexplored insights into artistic polychromic practice in Antiquity.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pigment Identification of Cultural Heritage Materials)
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Open AccessArticle
Multidirectional Heritage-Led Knowledge Exchange: Learning from Practice in 19 Rural Territories
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Hanna Elisabet Åberg, Irina Pavlova, Angela Santangelo, Zahra Amirzada, Katrien Heirman and Simona Tondelli
Heritage 2024, 7(3), 1689-1700; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7030079 - 17 Mar 2024
Abstract
Rural areas are regaining attention as key resource holders. This includes the attractiveness of intact and traditional cultural elements and heritage which helps to create new opportunities. However, renewal is needed for rural areas to be competitive beyond tourism. Knowledge exchange and transfer
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Rural areas are regaining attention as key resource holders. This includes the attractiveness of intact and traditional cultural elements and heritage which helps to create new opportunities. However, renewal is needed for rural areas to be competitive beyond tourism. Knowledge exchange and transfer is seen as an enabling tool for regeneration and heritage valorization, although it has mostly been applied in an urban context. The aim of this paper is to explore the role of capacity building and knowledge exchange at different levels in promoting rural regeneration through heritage-led initiatives. The article describes a multi-directional knowledge transfer and exchange in 19 rural areas. The applied knowledge exchange methodology was designed to be a dynamic and vibrant exchange of capacity building and mutual learning. This exchange of knowledge enabled the local communities involved to explore new ideas and viable solutions for the regeneration of rural areas through the valorization of cultural and natural heritage. The research findings show that structuring a knowledge transfer and capacity building process that also involves key local stakeholders and the rural communities is an important milestone in the regeneration process. In addition, it can be a unique opportunity to start and build new professional long-term relationships.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cultural Heritage as a Contributor to Territorial/Urban Resilience)
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Open AccessSystematic Review
Smart Glasses for Cultural Heritage: A Survey
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Georgios Trichopoulos, Markos Konstantakis and George Caridakis
Heritage 2024, 7(3), 1665-1688; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7030078 - 14 Mar 2024
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This paper presents a comprehensive survey on the utilization of smart glasses in the context of cultural heritage. It offers a systematic exploration of prevailing trends, the latest state-of-the-art technologies, and notable projects within this emerging field. Through a meticulous examination of diverse
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This paper presents a comprehensive survey on the utilization of smart glasses in the context of cultural heritage. It offers a systematic exploration of prevailing trends, the latest state-of-the-art technologies, and notable projects within this emerging field. Through a meticulous examination of diverse works, this study endeavors to categorize and establish a taxonomy, thereby facilitating a structured analysis of the current landscape. By distilling key insights from this categorization, the paper aims to draw meaningful conclusions and provide valuable insights into the potential future trajectory of SGs technology in the realm of CH preservation and appreciation.
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Open AccessArticle
A Knowledge and Evaluation Model to Support the Conservation of Abandoned Historical Centres in Inner Areas
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Maria Rosa Trovato and Deborah Sanzaro
Heritage 2024, 7(3), 1618-1664; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7030077 (registering DOI) - 14 Mar 2024
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The planning of interventions aimed at preserving the built heritage of inner areas is a complex process due to the fragility of these contexts. It should stem from adequate knowledge to support the recognition of qualities, resources, and potentials, and the reinterpretation of
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The planning of interventions aimed at preserving the built heritage of inner areas is a complex process due to the fragility of these contexts. It should stem from adequate knowledge to support the recognition of qualities, resources, and potentials, and the reinterpretation of residual values. From the perspective of an axiological approach to the built heritage, it is possible to foster the resemantization of such values based on a rigorous cognitive model. This research proposed a cognitive model of the built heritage of the historic neighbourhood of Granfonte in Leonforte (Enna). The knowledge model, developed in Excel, has a hierarchical type of structure characterized by domain, classes, properties, and the attribution of values to properties. The approach makes it possible to execute queries that arise from specific relationships between classes. In this study, we developed both simple queries to measure the percentages of certain characteristics of the building units and complex queries for the estimation of aggregate indices to define the degree of transformation and loss of integrity and degradation of the building units or to identify those most exposed to the risk of ruination and contagion. The proposed model can be framed within the framework of ontologies supporting structured heritage knowledge.
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Open AccessArticle
Mortars and Renders: The Case of the Roman Villa Horta da Torre Fronteira, Portugal
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A. Ditta, André Carneiro, Cristina Galacho and Patrícia Moita
Heritage 2024, 7(3), 1589-1617; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7030076 - 14 Mar 2024
Abstract
The archaeological site of villa Horta da Torre in Portugal reveals distinctive architectural features within the context of Roman villae in Hispania. Notably, the triclinium was designed with an artificial cascade originating from a double apse wall, and the walls were adorned with
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The archaeological site of villa Horta da Torre in Portugal reveals distinctive architectural features within the context of Roman villae in Hispania. Notably, the triclinium was designed with an artificial cascade originating from a double apse wall, and the walls were adorned with mosaic tessellae panels and marble skirting. During the Roman era, the surrounding area belonged to the former province of Lusitania, with Augusta Emerita serving as its capital. This study examines 11 mortar samples from various contexts and functions, such as masonry, preparatory, render, and opus signinum mortars. A set of complementary analytical techniques was employed to determine the textural and mineralogical compositions of the mortars. The aim was to gain insights into the production techniques and the selection of raw materials within the geological context of this rural construction. It was observed that the processing of raw materials and production techniques did not always adhere to the rules of Vitruvius. A comparison with other villas revealed comparatively less meticulous attention to sand selection and precise layering for mural painting. Nevertheless, it was noted that in preparatory layers for the supranucleus and nucleus tesserae, ceramic pieces were intentionally added to improve the mortar. The binder used was calcitic lime, likely obtained from locally sourced limestone. The nature of aggregates is diversified but consistent with the local geological provenance within a radius of less than 3 km, in accordance with two sand exploration sites. This research aligns with the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, contributing specifically to SDG 11 and Target 11.4, which “aims to strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage”.
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(This article belongs to the Section Materials and Heritage)
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Open AccessArticle
A Recently Identified Barniz Brillante Casket at Bateman’s, the Home of Rudyard Kipling
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Ludovico Geminiani, Maria Sanchez Carvajal, Emma Schmuecker, Megan Wheeler, Lucia Burgio, Dana Melchar and Valentina Risdonne
Heritage 2024, 7(3), 1569-1588; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7030075 - 13 Mar 2024
Abstract
A casket held at Bateman’s, Rudyard and Caroline Kipling’s home in Sussex—now a National Trust property—was recently recognised as a barniz brillante work. Objects made of barniz brillante, a technique featuring the Indigenous American material called mopa mopa, are relatively rare
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A casket held at Bateman’s, Rudyard and Caroline Kipling’s home in Sussex—now a National Trust property—was recently recognised as a barniz brillante work. Objects made of barniz brillante, a technique featuring the Indigenous American material called mopa mopa, are relatively rare and have only sparingly been studied using scientific analysis techniques. A collaboration between the National Trust and the Victoria and Albert Museum has produced scientific evidence which will be invaluable in the study and the understanding of this type of object. The scientific analysis of the casket was conducted exclusively in a non-destructive and non-invasive manner, to preserve the integrity of the object which is in very good condition. The Bateman’s casket is characterised by a dark underdrawing, made with a material which is transparent in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Most of the areas decorated with silver leaf have tarnished due to the formation of what is likely to be silver chloride. This study represents a significant step towards the comparative scientific study of barniz brillante objects in other collections, which in turn will make it possible to suggest a timeline for their manufacture, and even identify workshops.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lacquer in the Americas)
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Open AccessArticle
P-Renewal Project: A Reflexive Contribution to the Evolution of Energy Performance Standards for the Renovation of Historic Buildings
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Sophie Trachte and Dorothée Stiernon
Heritage 2024, 7(3), 1539-1568; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7030074 - 12 Mar 2024
Abstract
To meet European carbon neutrality targets and comply with building energy performance regulations, renovating historic buildings is considered one of the most challenging tasks for the construction sector. On one hand, commonly employed renovation solutions are often more difficult to implement on these
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To meet European carbon neutrality targets and comply with building energy performance regulations, renovating historic buildings is considered one of the most challenging tasks for the construction sector. On one hand, commonly employed renovation solutions are often more difficult to implement on these structures. On the other hand, renovation work must be carried out while preserving their heritage value and integrity. The European standard EN 16883 on conservation and energy renovation performance of cultural heritage was developed in 2017 with the aim of facilitating energy performance improvements in historic buildings while respecting their cultural significance. In pursuit of the same objective, the “P-Renewal” project focuses on the energy retrofit of pre-war Walloon housing with heritage value, providing valuable support through a reflective process and decision-making tools. These tools enable the selection of renovation strategies that effectively combine the preservation of heritage value with improvements in internal comfort, energy efficiency, and environmental performance. This study compares the reflective process of the research project with the guidelines of the standard EN 16883 and discusses the transferability of this contribution to other European contexts. This will significantly contribute to the evolution of energy performance standards for the renovation of historic buildings.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable and Comprehensive Energy Renovation of Heritage Buildings)
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Open AccessReview
Beyond Heritage Science: A Review
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Craig J. Kennedy, Michael Penman, David Watkinson, Nicola Emmerson, David Thickett, Frédéric Bosché, Alan M. Forster, Josep Grau-Bové and May Cassar
Heritage 2024, 7(3), 1510-1538; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7030073 - 12 Mar 2024
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Heritage science is an established and thriving field of enquiry. Initially considered as inherently cross-disciplinary, encompassing both the needs of conservators and practitioners and the high-quality evidence produced by scientists, heritage science has, through its expansion in recent years, formed a discipline in
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Heritage science is an established and thriving field of enquiry. Initially considered as inherently cross-disciplinary, encompassing both the needs of conservators and practitioners and the high-quality evidence produced by scientists, heritage science has, through its expansion in recent years, formed a discipline in its own right. Here, we examine how heritage science can, and to an extent has, moved beyond the straightforward scientific analysis of historical materials and artefacts through an exploration of heritage science’s interactions with four key themes: (i) historical and archival research, (ii) conservation practice, (iii) policy at governmental, organisational and institutional levels, and (iv) a view to how new technologies, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, can shape the future of heritage science. Much of the review narrative is framed via the analysis of UK-based case studies; however, they deal with issues that are international in nature (universal) and therefore transcend the UK context. Taken together, we demonstrate that heritage science as a discipline is capable of directly instigating or (re-)framing new areas or avenues of research, as well as enhancing and feeding into existing research questions, and has adapted and evolved along with emerging technologies and funding opportunities.
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Open AccessArticle
Advances in Lead-Barium-Zinc-Silicate-Type Glazed Warming Bowl Related to the Chinese Xuande Reign (1426–1435)
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Maria Letizia Amadori, Serse Cardellini and Valeria Mengacci
Heritage 2024, 7(3), 1496-1509; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7030072 - 12 Mar 2024
Abstract
Diagnostic investigations were carried out on a rare Chinese polychrome glazed ceramic dating back to the reign of the Xuande Emperor (1426–1435). The double-walled warming bowl was investigated using several non-invasive methods such as portable optical microscopy, endoscopy, portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, X-radiography,
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Diagnostic investigations were carried out on a rare Chinese polychrome glazed ceramic dating back to the reign of the Xuande Emperor (1426–1435). The double-walled warming bowl was investigated using several non-invasive methods such as portable optical microscopy, endoscopy, portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, X-radiography, and computed tomography. One microsample was collected and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy with an energy dispersive X-ray detector. According to the results, the chemical composition of the paste suggested a porcelain typology, while the glaze belongs to the lead–barium–silicate (PbO-BaO-ZnO-SiO2) system. These unexpected data contrast with common knowledge, which attests that the addition of barium in glass and ceramics manufacturing disappeared soon after the Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE). Moreover, the combination of PbO-BaO-ZnO-SiO2 seems to be quite rare both in ancient pre-Han times and during the Ming and Qing dynasties. This paper aims to demonstrate that (a) the use of barium for glaze and glass composition, which seems to have its roots in Taoist alchemy, was not totally halted in later periods compared to the Han dynasty; (b) lead–barium–zinc–silicate glaze was used during the Xuande Emperor’s reign. Through a review of ancient Chinese literary sources, we found a lot of unpublished information on the use of barium, lead, and zinc in the production of glazed ceramics during this period. The polychrome glazed warming bowl suggests a particular production that flourished during the brief reign of the Xuande Emperor.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pigment Identification of Cultural Heritage Materials)
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Open AccessArticle
Influence of Japanese Namban Lacquer in New Spain, Focusing on Enconchado Furniture
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Yayoi Kawamura and Ana García Barrios
Heritage 2024, 7(3), 1472-1495; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7030071 - 11 Mar 2024
Abstract
This work studies one type of artistic production from the Viceroyalty of New Spain during the second half of the seventeenth century and the beginning of the following century. Furniture decorated with the technique of enconchado is studied to point out the influence
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This work studies one type of artistic production from the Viceroyalty of New Spain during the second half of the seventeenth century and the beginning of the following century. Furniture decorated with the technique of enconchado is studied to point out the influence of Namban lacquer as well as the relationship with enconchado painting, a better known and studied corpus than furniture, and also its link to Mexican lacquer, maque. The identification and study of three pieces of furniture that feature the enconchado technique, and a cross, probably decorated with maque, offer a complementary vision of the art of enconchado and allow us to consider enconchado furniture an independent artistic genre.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lacquer in the Americas)
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Open AccessArticle
Will Artificial Intelligence Affect How Cultural Heritage Will Be Managed in the Future? Responses Generated by Four genAI Models
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Dirk H. R. Spennemann
Heritage 2024, 7(3), 1453-1471; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7030070 - 11 Mar 2024
Abstract
Generative artificial intelligence (genAI) language models have become firmly embedded in public consciousness. Their abilities to extract and summarise information from a wide range of sources in their training data have attracted the attention of many scholars. This paper examines how four genAI
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Generative artificial intelligence (genAI) language models have become firmly embedded in public consciousness. Their abilities to extract and summarise information from a wide range of sources in their training data have attracted the attention of many scholars. This paper examines how four genAI large language models (ChatGPT, GPT4, DeepAI, and Google Bard) responded to prompts, asking (i) whether artificial intelligence would affect how cultural heritage will be managed in the future (with examples requested) and (ii) what dangers might emerge when relying heavily on genAI to guide cultural heritage professionals in their actions. The genAI systems provided a range of examples, commonly drawing on and extending the status quo. Without a doubt, AI tools will revolutionise the execution of repetitive and mundane tasks, such as the classification of some classes of artifacts, or allow for the predictive modelling of the decay of objects. Important examples were used to assess the purported power of genAI tools to extract, aggregate, and synthesize large volumes of data from multiple sources, as well as their ability to recognise patterns and connections that people may miss. An inherent risk in the ‘results’ presented by genAI systems is that the presented connections are ‘artifacts’ of the system rather than being genuine. Since present genAI tools are unable to purposively generate creative or innovative thoughts, it is left to the reader to determine whether any text that is provided by genAI that is out of the ordinary is meaningful or nonsensical. Additional risks identified by the genAI systems were that some cultural heritage professionals might use AI systems without the required level of AI literacy and that overreliance on genAI systems might lead to a deskilling of general heritage practitioners.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Use of Artificial Intelligence in Cultural Heritage Studies—Threats and Opportunities)
Open AccessArticle
Luca Vitone: Monitoring of Four Living Canvases
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Camilla Zaratti, Simona Brunetti, Veronica Fondi, Chiara Alisi, Fernanda Prestileo, Tilde de Caro, Stefania Montorsi and Andrea Macchia
Heritage 2024, 7(3), 1438-1452; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7030069 - 10 Mar 2024
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“Atmospheric” painting stands as a new frontier in contemporary art, presenting challenges and new considerations in museum practices. This article aims to analyze the possible evolution of four atmospheric paintings created by artist Luca Vitone during their transition from exhibition halls to the
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“Atmospheric” painting stands as a new frontier in contemporary art, presenting challenges and new considerations in museum practices. This article aims to analyze the possible evolution of four atmospheric paintings created by artist Luca Vitone during their transition from exhibition halls to the storage facilities of the MAXXI museum. The presence of active microbiological consortium raises question regarding the potential interaction these artworks may have with the surrounding environment. The year-long monitoring involved macroscopic and microscopic observation, spectrophotometric analyses, and cell vitality assessments using a bioluminometer. Additionally, the collected data were correlated with the prevailing microclimate within the storage. Indeed, the canvases underwent an evolution during their transfer to the storage; it was mainly the photosynthetic part of the consortium that underwent the greatest changes, resulting in changes in the color tones of the canvases. The viability of the cells in the consortium also underwent changes as indicated by measurements obtained with the bioluminometer. The monitoring has provided invaluable insights into the dynamic evolution of Vitone’s artworks and allowed the authors to hypothesize some strategies for the conservation of these types of artworks.
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Open AccessArticle
From 3D Point Cloud to an Intelligent Model Set for Cultural Heritage Conservation
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Andrei Crisan, Massimiliano Pepe, Domenica Costantino and Sorin Herban
Heritage 2024, 7(3), 1419-1437; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7030068 - 10 Mar 2024
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Cultural heritage conservation demands interdisciplinary and complex documentation and analysis while facing increasing pressure to adopt sustainable and productive practices. This paper bridges these gaps by proposing a methodology and a set of requirements for Building Information Modeling (BIM) models aligned with European
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Cultural heritage conservation demands interdisciplinary and complex documentation and analysis while facing increasing pressure to adopt sustainable and productive practices. This paper bridges these gaps by proposing a methodology and a set of requirements for Building Information Modeling (BIM) models aligned with European directives for sustainability and productivity in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) sector. Leveraging 3D scanning and intelligent models, we establish information needs specific to conservation, encompassing material properties, historical data, and decay analysis. Interoperability, compatibility with advanced analytical tools, and open-source formats are emphasized for seamless data integration and accessibility. We further introduce two use cases for BIM-enabled heritage conservation, illustrating the application of our proposed methodology in real-world scenarios. These cases exemplify how BIM models cater to the specific needs of cultural heritage sites, from their initial condition assessment to ongoing preservation efforts. Through these examples, we demonstrate the adaptability of BIM technology in capturing and managing the complex information associated with heritage conservation, including structural details, material characteristics, and historical significance. Our work highlights the potential of BIM to revolutionize heritage conservation practices, offering a digital backbone for documentation, analysis, and management that aligns with sustainability and productivity goals.
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(This article belongs to the Topic The Future in the Restoration and Conservation of Cultural Heritage: Towards Green and Innovative Approaches to the Processes)
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Microclimate-Monitoring: Examining the Indoor Environment of Greek Museums and Historical Buildings in the Face of Climate Change
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Efstathia Tringa, Dimitris Kavroudakis and Konstantia Tolika
Heritage 2024, 7(3), 1400-1418; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7030067 - 09 Mar 2024
Abstract
The preservation of cultural artifacts within museums and historical buildings requires control of microclimatic conditions, and the constantly evolving climate certainly poses a challenge to maintaining recommended conditions. Focused on the Archaeological Museum of Delphi and the Church of Acheiropoietos in Greece, our
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The preservation of cultural artifacts within museums and historical buildings requires control of microclimatic conditions, and the constantly evolving climate certainly poses a challenge to maintaining recommended conditions. Focused on the Archaeological Museum of Delphi and the Church of Acheiropoietos in Greece, our study evaluates the hygrothermal behavior of these buildings with a specific emphasis on the preservation of cultural heritage objects hosted there. An innovative approach to the real-time analysis of data is utilized, aiming to achieve a timely detection of extreme temperature and humidity levels. A one-year monitoring campaign was carried out to achieve a detailed assessment of the indoor climate in selected museums and historical buildings in Greece. The monitoring campaign was performed using dataloggers that were set to measure and record temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) values hourly. The results allowed for the detection of extreme temperature and relative humidity values, pinpointing the time period that requires more attention. The museum’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems provide temperature control for visitor comfort, but the temperature still rises in summer, highlighting the impact of external climate factors. The church’s lack of HVAC systems widens the temperature range compared to the museum, but significant hourly fluctuations are not observed, underlining the building’s high thermal mass and inertia. Both buildings demonstrate a significant response to changes in outdoor temperature, emphasizing the need for future adaptation to climate change. The HMRhs and PRD indices indicate minimal microclimate risk in both buildings for temperature and RH, reducing the probability of material damage. The church’s slightly higher HMRhs index values, attributed to relative humidity, increases susceptibility due to sensitive materials. Overall, the study highlights the importance of managing microclimatic conditions in historical buildings and proposes careful adaptations for the protection of cultural heritage.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Exploring Novel Approaches to Preserve and Monitor the Cultural Heritage Materials)
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Open AccessArticle
Urban Heritage Facility Management: A Conceptual Framework for the Provision of Urban-Scale Support Services in Norwegian World Heritage Sites
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Bintang Noor Prabowo, Alenka Temeljotov Salaj and Jardar Lohne
Heritage 2024, 7(3), 1372-1399; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7030066 - 09 Mar 2024
Abstract
This study validated the theoretical keypoints obtained from a previously published scoping literature review within the context of three Norwegian World Heritage sites: Røros, Rjukan, and Notodden. The cross-sectional table of the urban heritage facility management (UHFM) framework, which is based on interviews
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This study validated the theoretical keypoints obtained from a previously published scoping literature review within the context of three Norwegian World Heritage sites: Røros, Rjukan, and Notodden. The cross-sectional table of the urban heritage facility management (UHFM) framework, which is based on interviews and correspondence, demonstrates the connection between the tasks of the six clusters of technical departments responsible for the provision of urban-scale support services and the modified critical steps of the Historic Urban Landscape approach, in which an additional step for “monitoring and evaluation” was included. UHFM operates at the intersection of heritage preservation, urban-scale facility management, and stakeholder coordination, which requires a careful balance between urban heritage conservation and sustainable urban management practices, thus enabling the preservation of World Heritage status that, among others, fosters sustainable tourism. The three case studies highlighted the significance of UHFM in preserving heritage value, authenticity, visual quality, and significance. Besides providing comprehensive support services that extend beyond the daily tasks of conservators and World Heritage managers, UHFM also allows feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement. This study highlighted the complex relationship between the provision of urban-scale support services and the preservation of Outstanding Universal Value as the core business of World Heritage sites.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Heritage Tourism and Sustainable City Dynamics)
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Open AccessArticle
Components of Mid-Nineteenth- and Mid-Twentieth-Century Cudbears
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Laura Maccarelli, Terry T. Schaeffer, Gregory D. Smith and Victor J. Chen
Heritage 2024, 7(3), 1357-1371; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7030065 - 09 Mar 2024
Abstract
Analysis of purple dyestuff from a tin labeled “1 oz. Cudbear, No. 1 N. F. Powdered”, marketed by the American business S. B. Penick & Company, “Manufacturers of fine drugs and chemicals”, confirmed that the material was indeed a lichen dyestuff. It contains
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Analysis of purple dyestuff from a tin labeled “1 oz. Cudbear, No. 1 N. F. Powdered”, marketed by the American business S. B. Penick & Company, “Manufacturers of fine drugs and chemicals”, confirmed that the material was indeed a lichen dyestuff. It contains the same major orcein components identified in several other lichen dyes and dyed samples dating from the mid-19th century to today. These dyestuffs were analyzed using several analytical techniques. Fluorescence and fiber optic reflectance spectroscopic data for all the samples were similar. High performance liquid chromatography with diode array detection coupled to mass spectrometry confirmed that this commercial American cudbear was very similar to the samples from the United Kingdom but rather different from the archil-dyed reference yarns from Europe. The significance of the observations is discussed, and chemical structures are proposed for several of the unknown dye components detected in this study.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Trends and Challenges in the Study of Pigments and Dyes and Their Degradation in Cultural Heritage Objects)
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Open AccessArticle
Historic Building Information Modeling for Conservation and Maintenance: San Niccolo’s Tower Gate, Florence
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Anna Livia Ciuffreda, Francesco Trovatelli, Francesca Meli, Giorgio Caselli, Costanza Stramaccioni, Massimo Coli and Marco Tanganelli
Heritage 2024, 7(3), 1334-1356; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7030064 - 08 Mar 2024
Abstract
In the field of conservation and protection of heritage buildings, knowledge plays a fundamental role, emphasized by national and international rules and regulations. This aspect becomes fundamental when conducting the structural assessment of a historical building. This study envisaged a cognitive phase via
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In the field of conservation and protection of heritage buildings, knowledge plays a fundamental role, emphasized by national and international rules and regulations. This aspect becomes fundamental when conducting the structural assessment of a historical building. This study envisaged a cognitive phase via the application of advanced survey and diagnostic methodologies to define the materials, construction techniques, and state of conservation of the structural system of a specific building forming part of Florence’s heritage. The information complex produced formed the basis for the structural assessment and for the experimentation of the BIM methodology within the creation of databases for the management of cognitive processes of historical buildings. The case study is one of the gates of the last circle of walls of the 14th century and is the only one that has maintained its original height, despite modifications: the gate/tower of San Niccolò. The research conducted, in addition to achieving a structural assessment of the tower, has allowed the creation of a dynamic model for organizing and consulting the information, laying the groundwork for the creation of a conservation and maintenance plan.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Architectural Heritage Management in Earthquake-Prone Areas)
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Open AccessArticle
Spectral Mapping Techniques for the Stratigraphic and Compositional Characterisation of a 16th-Century Painting
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Alice Dal Fovo, Margherita Morello, Anna Mazzinghi, Caterina Toso, Monica Galeotti and Raffaella Fontana
Heritage 2024, 7(3), 1320-1333; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7030063 - 02 Mar 2024
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Identifying a painting’s pigment palette is crucial for comprehending the author’s technique, as well as for evaluating the degradation of the materials. This paper investigates the stratigraphy and pigments distribution of a 16th-century painting from the Uffizi Galleries collection. Firstly, we obtained compositional
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Identifying a painting’s pigment palette is crucial for comprehending the author’s technique, as well as for evaluating the degradation of the materials. This paper investigates the stratigraphy and pigments distribution of a 16th-century painting from the Uffizi Galleries collection. Firstly, we obtained compositional information through the cross-sectional analysis of samples using scanning electron microscopy. Secondly, we performed elemental mapping using macro-X-ray fluorescence followed by reflectance imaging spectroscopy. The painting image cube was analysed using the spectral correlation mapping (SCM) classification algorithm to accurately identify the distribution and composition of the pigment mixtures.
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Open AccessArticle
Unveiling Polychrome Printing Methods on Textiles: Preliminary Results from the Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo Collection in Venice
by
Virginia Farinelli, Laura Falchi, Cristina da Roit, Margherita Gnemmi and Francesca Caterina Izzo
Heritage 2024, 7(3), 1298-1319; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7030062 - 01 Mar 2024
Abstract
At the beginning of the 20th century, the eclectic artist Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo patented two innovative methods for polychrome printing on fabrics and textiles, giving life to Fortuny fabric production in Venice. The first patent was related to colour application, while the
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At the beginning of the 20th century, the eclectic artist Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo patented two innovative methods for polychrome printing on fabrics and textiles, giving life to Fortuny fabric production in Venice. The first patent was related to colour application, while the second to a special machine that allows continuous printing using cylindrical rollers. Despite the descriptions, the methodology and materials used remain a secret. In collaboration with the Fortuny Museum in Venice, this research aimed at studying and identifying the different steps of Fortuny printing methodologies. Printing matrices, fabrics and raw materials found in the artist’s studio were analysed in a multi-analytical campaign through digital microscopy, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR), μ-Raman spectroscopy and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Three main pigments were identified in paper samples: ivory black, a copper-based pigment, and a carbon black pigment with ultramarine for blues. The pigments were bound with linseed oil and colophony in varying proportions. Polychrome silk fabrics were dyed with a base colour, and then the coloured patterns were superimposed by continuous printing. Prussian blue was identified as one of the textile inks. Results provided a better understanding of printing methodology.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Pigment Identification of Cultural Heritage Materials)
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Open AccessArticle
An Archaeometric Analysis of Black-Appearing Iron Age Glass Beads from Vinha das Caliças 4 (Portugal)
by
Valentina Lončarić, Ana Margarida Arruda, Pedro Barrulas and Mafalda Costa
Heritage 2024, 7(3), 1265-1297; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7030061 - 29 Feb 2024
Abstract
Phoenician colonisation of the Iberian Peninsula in the 1st millennium BCE introduced many novel and luxurious goods to the local populations of the Western Mediterranean. Among them, black-appearing glass beads are characteristic of indigenous female burials in Southern Portugal during the 6th century
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Phoenician colonisation of the Iberian Peninsula in the 1st millennium BCE introduced many novel and luxurious goods to the local populations of the Western Mediterranean. Among them, black-appearing glass beads are characteristic of indigenous female burials in Southern Portugal during the 6th century BCE. This study presents the results of the first comprehensive archaeometric investigation of black-appearing glass from Vinha das Caliças 4 (Portugal), and of black-appearing glass from the Iberian Peninsula in general. A multi-analytical approach employing Stereomicroscopic observation of manufacture and use traces, VP-SEM-EDS, μ-XRD, and LA-ICP-MS was used to cover a wide range of questions regarding technology and provenance. All analysed samples are natron glass. All samples of black and white beads are characterized by high Zr and low Sr values typically ascribed to the use of Egyptian sands. A comparison of the results of previous studies from the same site clearly demonstrates at least two geochemical provenances for Phoenician-traded glass beads, located in the Levantine region and Egypt, respectively. Furthermore, different colours of glass in individual polychrome beads exhibit similar trace element patterns, which might suggest these beads could have been produced close to glassmaking sites/regions.
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(This article belongs to the Section Archaeological Heritage)
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