Non-invasive and Micro-invasive Techniques for the Analysis of Historical Murals

Dear Colleagues,

Historical murals are essential artifacts of our cultural heritage, offering profound insights into the artistic, social, and historical contexts of past eras. Preserving these intricate works of art requires innovative and meticulous approaches that respect their integrity while providing comprehensive analysis. Today, analytical capabilities allow us to go beyond the chemical and structural characterization of the painting materials that may be present in wall paintings, enabling professionals to carry out research at an unprecedented scale and detail.

This Special Issue of the journal Heritage focuses on the latest advancements in non-invasive and micro-invasive techniques for studying historical murals. We seek to collect a diverse set of papers focused on the use of state-of-the-art analytical methods, including portable non- and micro-invasive analytical techniques, as well as on the use of innovative methodologies, for the investigation of a diverse set of wall paintings coming from various spaces and cultures. Contributions may include, but are not limited to, the following topics:

• Spectroscopic and other analytical methods: Research on the application of X-ray fluorescence, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, FORS (Fiber Optics Reflectance Spectroscopy), and other non- or micro-invasive analytical techniques to identify pigments, binders, and degradation products.
• Non-invasive imaging techniques: Studies utilizing advanced imaging technologies such as multispectral and hyperspectral imaging, macro X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) to uncover hidden layers, original compositions, and previous restorations.
• Digital reconstruction and preservation: Approaches to digital restoration, including photogrammetry and augmented reality, which aid in the visualization of original painting surfaces and hypothetical reconstructions of deteriorated murals.
• Case studies: Detailed reports on the application of non- and micro-invasive techniques in the analysis and conservation of specific historical murals from various cultural and geographical contexts.
• Interdisciplinary collaborations: Insights into how collaborations between conservators, scientists, and art historians enhance the understanding and preservation of murals through the integration of diverse expertise and techniques.

We encourage the submission of original research articles, comprehensive reviews, and significant case studies that reflect the latest advancements and practical applications in this crucial field. We look forward to receiving your contributions and we are confident that your manuscripts will offer valuable insights into the analysis and preservation of historical murals.

Best regards,

Dr. Ioana Maria Cortea
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Heritage is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• historical murals
• ancient and medieval wall paintings
• frescoes
• painting materials and techniques
• mineral pigments
• organic colorants
• organic binders
• stratigraphic characterization
• surface characterization
• chemical imaging and mapping
• non- and micro-invasive analytical techniques
• non-invasive imaging techniques
• on-site characterization
• digital reconstruction and preservation
• interdisciplinary studies
• state-of-the-art analytical methods
• innovative methodologies