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Advances in Italian Research Applied to Cultural Heritage
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Advances in Italian Research Applied to Cultural Heritage

A special issue of Heritage (ISSN 2571-9408). This special issue belongs to the section "Cultural Heritage".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2023) | Viewed by 30366

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Fabrizio Antonelli

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Guest Editor
Laboratory for Analysing Materials of Ancient origin (LAMA), Department of Architecture and Arts, IUAV University of Venice, Venezia, Italy
Interests: archaeometry; ancient marbles; technology of stone and lithoid materials; deterioration processes; conservation sciences; climate change
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Chiara Coletti

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Guest Editor
Department of Geosciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
Interests: building materials; cultural heritage; archaeometry; sustainability; climate change
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Luigi Germinario

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Guest Editor
Department of Geosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
Interests: heritage science; stone materials; weathering processes; provenance and use; climate change
Prof. Dr. Claudio Mazzoli

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Guest Editor
Department of Geosciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
Interests: ornamental stones; cultural heritage; stone deterioration; archaeometry; climate change; building materials
Dr. Rebecca Piovesan

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Guest Editor
Laboratory for Analysing Materials of Ancient origin (LAMA), Department of Architecture and Arts, IUAV University of Venice, Venezia, Italy
Interests: cultural heritage; archaeometry; ancient building materials; mortars; pigments; paintings
Dr. Elena Tesser

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laboratory for Analysing Materials of Ancient origin (LAMA), Department of Architecture and Arts, IUAV University of Venice, Venezia, Italy
Interests: chemistry for conservation and restoration; nanomaterials; strengthening and protective agents; deterioration processes; climate change

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue will present works selected from those presented at the AIAr (Italian Association of Archaeometry) Thematic Conference entitled “Sustainability in Cultural Heritage”, held in Padua, Italy, between June 29 and July 1, 2022, which was organised by the Department of Geosciences, University of Padua, and the Laboratory for Analysing Materials of Ancient origin (LAMA), IUAV University of Venice. The conference was part of the activities organised for celebrating the 800th anniversary of the University of Padua.

Cultural assets represent a unique heritage, the valorization of which relies on archaeometric research and proper diagnostic and conservation actions. This complex background has diverse competences, which collaborate and build ties with one another. The broad concept of sustainability represents one of its pillars, and is becoming increasingly important and worthy of promotion. Presently, more than ever, archaeometric investigations should be sustainable in view of their economic aspects and environmental implications. Even restoration can be conducted by means of green materials and methods. When it comes to the analysis of material culture and its role in understanding intangible cultural heritage, the interdisciplinary framework of archaeometry allows a disclosure of the sustainable choices made in ancient productions that may inspire sustainable choices in the future. For these reasons, the main focus of the conference was to discuss the numerous aspects related to the valorization and sustainability of cultural heritage and the effects of climate change on cultural heritage vulnerability and risk assessment. The conference aimed to define a more modern approach to archaeometric research and highlight its inferences in other fields of basic and applied research. Simultaneously, the conference gave broad attention to the latest studies of cultural heritage carried out in more established fields, including archaeometry, material characterization, diagnostics, conservation, valorization, and 3D modeling.

Prof. Dr. Fabrizio Antonelli
Dr. Chiara Coletti
Dr. Luigi Germinario
Prof. Dr. Claudio Mazzoli
Dr. Rebecca Piovesan
Dr. Elena Tesser
Guest Editors

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.

Published Papers (18 papers)

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Research

31 pages, 47904 KiB  
Article
Tracing Old Gestures: A Multiscale Analysis of Ground Stone Tools Developed on Sequential Lab-Controlled Replicative Experiments
by Giusi Sorrentino, Laura Longo, Theodor Obada, Alessandro Borghi, Alessandro Re, Marco Paggi and Alessandro Lo Giudice
Heritage 2023, 6(6), 4737-4767; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6060252 - 10 Jun 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1025
Abstract
This article presents an analytical procedure developed to replicate, document, and analyse the formation and evolution of use-wear traces on task-specific ground stone tools. The purpose of this study is to build a reference collection for wear patterns that occurred during the processing [...] Read more.
This article presents an analytical procedure developed to replicate, document, and analyse the formation and evolution of use-wear traces on task-specific ground stone tools. The purpose of this study is to build a reference collection for wear patterns that occurred during the processing of vegetal resources, specifically those compatible with the MIS 3 period. To create the collection, riverine slabs and pebbles were utilised and various aspects related to their use in the transformation of aerial and underground plant organs were explored. Moreover, the feasibility of using perishable supports, such as a wooden base, for processing tasks was examined. The experiments explored the transformation of pebble stone surfaces during repeated cycles of processing plant organs by monitoring and recording the features at fixed intervals. Several variables that affect the surface texture, morphology, distribution, and extent of use-wear traces are identified and discussed. The influential factors under control included the petrographic and morphological characteristics of the unused stones, the type and amount of transformed vegetables, and the duration of the process, as well as monitoring human factors. The documentation strategy applied at various stages of the experiment was found to be suitable for tracing the cumulative development of wear. The replicative collection was tailored to the morphological and petrographic characteristics of the ground stone tools retrieved from the level attributed to the Prut River culture of Brînzeni I, a cave site located in NW Moldova. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Italian Research Applied to Cultural Heritage)
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20 pages, 15919 KiB  
Article
Archaeometric Analysis of Encrustations Adhering to Pietra Ollare Fragments from the Medieval Village of Nogara
by Dario Monaco, Fabio Saggioro, Elena Marrocchino, Carmela Vaccaro and Marco Marchesini
Heritage 2023, 6(4), 3365-3384; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6040178 - 23 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1470
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze a set of pietra ollare fragments that presented burnt encrustations to further understand the use of pietra ollare vessels during the Middle Ages. The fragments were obtained from Nogara (Vr) and date to the 9th–10th [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to analyze a set of pietra ollare fragments that presented burnt encrustations to further understand the use of pietra ollare vessels during the Middle Ages. The fragments were obtained from Nogara (Vr) and date to the 9th–10th centuries CE. To obtain a variety of data, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and pollen analyses were performed. The SEM-EDS enabled the microscopic observation and the understanding of the chemical composition of the encrustations; the pollen analysis was performed to find possible pollen trapped in the encrustations. The pollen was scarce, but notable specimens were found. The results SEM-EDS analysis provided data possibly linked to meat preparation. Further analysis will be conducted to deepen our understanding of the use of the pietra ollare in cooking practices. These results are relevant because they match other data that have emerged from the excavations at Nogara (archeozoological and paleobotanical) and because the use of this kind of vessel remains poorly studied. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Italian Research Applied to Cultural Heritage)
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11 pages, 2751 KiB  
Article
Marble Architectural Elements and Liturgical Furniture of the Santa Giustina Basilica in Padova: New Archaeometric Data on the Importation of Proconnesian Marble in the Late Antique Adriatic
by Paolo Vedovetto, Fabrizio Antonelli, Michele Secco and Gilberto Artioli
Heritage 2023, 6(3), 3063-3073; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6030163 - 13 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1139
Abstract
This paper examines eight marble samples from the architectural elements and liturgical furniture of the ecclesiastical complex of Santa Giustina in Padova (Italy), founded by the Rufus Venantius Opilio before AD 524. The provenance determination of the marbles was carried out by means [...] Read more.
This paper examines eight marble samples from the architectural elements and liturgical furniture of the ecclesiastical complex of Santa Giustina in Padova (Italy), founded by the Rufus Venantius Opilio before AD 524. The provenance determination of the marbles was carried out by means of a multi-analytical approach combining mineralogical–petrographic investigations, performed by microscopic observations of thin sections, and the measurement of the ratios of stable carbon and oxygen isotopes. The results obtained were compared with up-to-date petrographic and isotopic databases (Antonelli and Lazzarini 2015), and they showed that the analyzed marbles come from the quarries of the island of Proconnesus in Asia Minor, modern Marmara Adası (Turkey). Archaeometric evidence, together with the stylistic and functional analysis of the pieces, suggests the direct importation of a complete set of sculptures, shipped at different stages of workmanship from the workshops of Constantinople and expressly ordered by a single patron, who can be identified as Opilio, founder of the basilica of Santa Giustina and praetorian prefect at the court of King Theodoric. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Italian Research Applied to Cultural Heritage)
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22 pages, 12984 KiB  
Article
Production Technologies and Provenance of Ceramic Materials from the Earliest Foundry of Pre-Roman Padua, NE Italy
by Elena Mercedes Pérez-Monserrat, Lara Maritan, Vanessa Baratella and Massimo Vidale
Heritage 2023, 6(3), 2956-2977; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6030157 - 11 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1595
Abstract
The earliest foundry site of Pre-Roman Padua, in the Veneto region (north-eastern Italy), provided evidence of craft activities and residential areas dated between the end of the 9th and 1st centuries BCE. Common and fine wares were found, most of them belonging to [...] Read more.
The earliest foundry site of Pre-Roman Padua, in the Veneto region (north-eastern Italy), provided evidence of craft activities and residential areas dated between the end of the 9th and 1st centuries BCE. Common and fine wares were found, most of them belonging to two main ceramic classes: (i) highly dark-colored bodies with silicate inclusions; (ii) carbonate-tempered pots. Macroscopic and petrographic (POM) descriptions and spectroscopy—mineralogical (XRPD) and geochemical (XRF)—analyses were carried out to define the provenance and technological choices (production recipes and firing conditions). The first ceramic class comprised diverse local/regional productions made with a common geo-resource, consisting in quartz-rich illitic clays, for which pit firing conditions generally under 850–900 °C were adopted. The purification of the starting base clays, the tempering of the clayey pastes with silica-rich grains and/or the polishing of surfaces were accomplished for fine wares. The carbonate-tempered pottery probably corresponded to an allochthonous ceramic class that might be used in the trade of specific contents. As such pots were made out of different illitic clays and under different redox conditions, they might correspond to diverse productions. The adoption of precise choices in very specific wares, not belonging to any of these two main ceramic classes, suggests the trade of fine wares in the Veneto during the First Iron Age. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Italian Research Applied to Cultural Heritage)
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14 pages, 3555 KiB  
Article
On the Use of White Marbles in Roman Forum Sempronii (Fossombrone, Marche, Italy): An Overview of the Archaeometric Data on Architectural Elements
by Devi Taelman, Oscar Mei and Fabrizio Antonelli
Heritage 2023, 6(3), 2942-2955; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6030156 - 10 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1308
Abstract
This paper presents the results of the characterisation, identification, provenance determination, and quantification of the white, greco scritto-like and polychrome marbles used for architectural purposes at Forum Sempronii, a Roman town in the Marche region of Italy. Samples of five fragments [...] Read more.
This paper presents the results of the characterisation, identification, provenance determination, and quantification of the white, greco scritto-like and polychrome marbles used for architectural purposes at Forum Sempronii, a Roman town in the Marche region of Italy. Samples of five fragments of white marble and one fragment of a greco scritto-like marble have been studied using mineralogical and petrographic observations and stable isotope ratio analysis (SIRA) of carbon and oxygen. Polychrome marbles were macroscopically identified by comparison with reference samples and available image databases. Analytical results of the white and greco scritto-like marbles identified the material as coming from the quarries of Carrara (Luni, Italy) and Proconnesos (Marmara, Saraylar, Turkey) for white marble, and of Ephesos-Hasançavuslar for greco scritto-like marble. Further, at least eleven imported polychrome stone varieties were distinguished. The study clearly illustrates that Forum Sempronii had access to the main marble trade networks of the Roman Mediterranean. The early attestation of Proconnesian marble at the town’s augusteum (i.e., Augustan date) is unique for central Adriatic Italy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Italian Research Applied to Cultural Heritage)
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12 pages, 54656 KiB  
Article
The Medieval Glass Mosaic of S. Agnese fuori le mura in Rome: Multispectral Imaging for Preliminary Identification of Original Tesserae
by Rita Deiana, Alberta Silvestri, Manuela Gianandrea, Sarah Maltoni and Chiara Croci
Heritage 2023, 6(3), 2851-2862; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6030152 - 09 Mar 2023
Viewed by 1441
Abstract
The mosaic in the apse of the Church of S. Agnese fuori le mura in Rome represents one of the most important examples of the wall mosaics of the Roman Middle Ages. Although it is associated with Byzantine figurative culture, no scientific study [...] Read more.
The mosaic in the apse of the Church of S. Agnese fuori le mura in Rome represents one of the most important examples of the wall mosaics of the Roman Middle Ages. Although it is associated with Byzantine figurative culture, no scientific study has addressed this important piece of Italian art history. One factor that has probably limited and created difficulties for its analysis is the poor legibility of the original parts, which are compromised by heavy restorations affecting the gold background, the faces of the two male side figures, and the lower band of the mosaic. The present work describes how multispectral imaging provided significant guidance in the preliminary identification of possible original areas in this ancient wall mosaic. Through an interdisciplinary approach, the art historical background and historical graphic documentation of known restorations supported the use of multispectral imaging to recognize original parts. The initial results of the lab analyses (SEM-EDS and EMPA) of supposed original tesserae validated the hypothesis made a priori thanks to multispectral acquisition, opening up new application possibilities for use of this noninvasive technique in the preliminary in situ identification of original parts in restored glass wall mosaics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Italian Research Applied to Cultural Heritage)
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13 pages, 3291 KiB  
Article
3D Multispectral Imaging for Cultural Heritage Preservation: The Case Study of a Wooden Sculpture of the Museo Egizio di Torino
by Leila Es Sebar, Luca Lombardo, Paola Buscaglia, Tiziana Cavaleri, Alessandro Lo Giudice, Alessandro Re, Matilde Borla, Sara Aicardi and Sabrina Grassini
Heritage 2023, 6(3), 2783-2795; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6030148 - 07 Mar 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1718
Abstract
Digitalization techniques, such as photogrammetry (PG), are attracting the interest of experts in the cultural heritage field, as they enable the creation of three-dimensional virtual replicas of historical artifacts with 2D digital images. Indeed, PG allows for acquiring data regarding the overall appearance [...] Read more.
Digitalization techniques, such as photogrammetry (PG), are attracting the interest of experts in the cultural heritage field, as they enable the creation of three-dimensional virtual replicas of historical artifacts with 2D digital images. Indeed, PG allows for acquiring data regarding the overall appearance of an artifact, its geometry, and its texture. Furthermore, among several image-based techniques exploited for the conservation of works of art, multispectral imaging (MSI) finds great application in the study of the materials of historical items, taking advantage of the different responses of materials when exposed to specific wavelengths. Despite their great usefulness, PG and MSI are often used as separate tools. Integrating radiometric and geometrical data can notably expand the information carried by a 3D model. Therefore, this paper presents a novel research methodology that enables the acquisition of multispectral 3D models, combining the outcomes of PG and MSI (Visible (VIS), Ultraviolet-induced Visible Luminescence (UVL), Ultraviolet-Reflected (UVR), and Ultraviolet-Reflected False Color (UVR-FC) imaging) in a single coordinate system, using an affordable tunable set-up and open-source software. The approach has been employed for the study of two wooden artifacts from the Museo Egizio di Torino to investigate the materials present on the surface and provide information that could support the design of suitable conservation treatments. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Italian Research Applied to Cultural Heritage)
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18 pages, 14371 KiB  
Article
The Recent Discovery, Research, and Restoration of Medieval and Renaissance Frescoes in Riga Castle—A Treasure to the Baltic Region
by Madara Rasiņa, Ojārs Spārītis, Jiřina Přikrylová, Martin Racek, Ivana Kopecká, Eva Svobodová and Richard Přikryl
Heritage 2023, 6(3), 2435-2452; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6030128 - 23 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1770
Abstract
One of the most important castles of the medieval Teutonic Order—Riga Castle in Latvia—is currently undergoing extensive reconstruction work. This study attempts to summarize recent information about the medieval fresco in the chapel and decorative paintings (17th century CE) on the vaults and [...] Read more.
One of the most important castles of the medieval Teutonic Order—Riga Castle in Latvia—is currently undergoing extensive reconstruction work. This study attempts to summarize recent information about the medieval fresco in the chapel and decorative paintings (17th century CE) on the vaults and vault consoles of the refectory that were found during this work. The restorers acquired a combined knowledge of the materials during the pre-restoration research as well as during the restoration process. This, together with the art historian’s viewpoint, and analytical study conducted by chemical technologist of art restoration and material scientists, allowed for an understanding of the materials present, as well as for a determination of the most probable techniques used for the creation of the frescoes. Based on the results presented in this study, the investigated fresco was mostly created using local materials for the plaster and imported ones for pigments, specifically azurite, malachite, and cinnabar. The restoration works, and the possible iconographic meaning of the remaining fragments of the medieval painting, are also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Italian Research Applied to Cultural Heritage)
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18 pages, 57597 KiB  
Article
Archaeometric Characterisation and Assessment of Conservation State of Coins: The Case-Study of a Selection of Antoniniani from the Hoard of Cumae (Campania Region, Southern Italy)
by Sabrina Pagano, Giuseppina Balassone, Chiara Germinario, Celestino Grifa, Francesco Izzo, Mariano Mercurio, Priscilla Munzi, Lucia Pappalardo, Emanuela Spagnoli, Maria Verde and Alberto De Bonis
Heritage 2023, 6(2), 2038-2055; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6020110 - 16 Feb 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1455
Abstract
The paper presents the first archaeometric results on a selection of ancient Roman coins (antoniniani) from a treasure found in the Roman necropolis area of ancient Cumae (Southern Italy) during archaeological campaigns by the Centre Jean Bérard. A multi-analytical approach consisting of non-destructive [...] Read more.
The paper presents the first archaeometric results on a selection of ancient Roman coins (antoniniani) from a treasure found in the Roman necropolis area of ancient Cumae (Southern Italy) during archaeological campaigns by the Centre Jean Bérard. A multi-analytical approach consisting of non-destructive techniques (stereomicroscopy, FESEM-EDS, pXRF, Raman, μ-CT) was implemented on the better-preserved coins of the treasure in order to investigate the chemical composition of the alloy. Chemical analysis showed that the Roman mint prepared the metal with an argentiferous lead–bronze alloy. A group of coins presents a low content of the precious metal, which is in agreement with the financial crisis of the Roman Empire of the third century. Another group of two coins shows a higher silver content, which is in agreement with their issue or with the Mediolanum mint standards. In addition, the external layers of corroded coins were analysed to explore the state of conservation of the patina and to identify the corrosion products. Some typical corrosion patinas due to post-depositional conditions were identified. The mineralogical characterisation of the corrosion products enables us to implement adequate conservation strategies, and the presence of more aggressive patinas suggests immediate interventions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Italian Research Applied to Cultural Heritage)
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19 pages, 123145 KiB  
Article
Study of ‘Cona degli Ordini’ by Colantonio with IR and XRF Analyses
by Elvira Scialla, Paola Improda, Jessica Brocchieri, Marco Cardinali, Angela Cerasuolo, Alessandra Rullo, Andrea Zezza and Carlo Sabbarese
Heritage 2023, 6(2), 1785-1803; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6020095 - 06 Feb 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1432
Abstract
Two paintings by the Neapolitan Renaissance painter Colantonio were studied with two non-invasive techniques to enrich the technical–scientific documentation. Infrared reflectography (IR) and x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses were performed on Saint Jerome in the studio and Saint Francis delivering the Rule, paintings [...] Read more.
Two paintings by the Neapolitan Renaissance painter Colantonio were studied with two non-invasive techniques to enrich the technical–scientific documentation. Infrared reflectography (IR) and x-ray fluorescence (XRF) analyses were performed on Saint Jerome in the studio and Saint Francis delivering the Rule, paintings preserved in the Museo e Real Bosco di Capodimonte. The IR scanning was performed to look beyond the visible layers of the paint for the preparatory drawings and pentimenti, or changes made during the painting process. The XRF technique was applied in many points to determine the elemental composition and enable the identification of pigments and materials used in paint and in the preparatory layers. Elemental XRF mapping was also carried out on a region of particular interest. Results provide an initial overview and hypothesis of color palette and techniques used by the artist. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Italian Research Applied to Cultural Heritage)
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27 pages, 7694 KiB  
Article
A Non-Invasive and Sustainable Characterization of Pigments in Wall Paintings: A Library of Apulian Colors
by Giovanna Fioretti, Marina Clausi, Giacomo Eramo, Elisabetta Longo, Alessandro Monno, Daniela Pinto and Gioacchino Tempesta
Heritage 2023, 6(2), 1567-1593; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6020084 - 01 Feb 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1708
Abstract
This paper proposed a multianalytical, non-invasive, accessible and expensive (compared to traditional ones) approach for the characterization of pictorial surfaces. A set of 18 pigments and 37 mixtures widely used in the Middle Ages in the Apulia (Italy) artistic and archaeological contexts was [...] Read more.
This paper proposed a multianalytical, non-invasive, accessible and expensive (compared to traditional ones) approach for the characterization of pictorial surfaces. A set of 18 pigments and 37 mixtures widely used in the Middle Ages in the Apulia (Italy) artistic and archaeological contexts was considered, and corresponding replicas were produced. Pigments were first characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), then replicas were studied by optical microscopy using a portable instrument, colorimetry and fiber optic reflectance spectroscopy (FORS). The investigation provided encouraging results, which allowed the creation of a library including diagnostic microscopic, colorimetric and reflectance markers of each pigment and the identification of the mixtures’ components. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Italian Research Applied to Cultural Heritage)
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16 pages, 3921 KiB  
Article
Deterioration Effects on Bricks Masonry in the Venice Lagoon Cultural Heritage: Study of the Main Façade of the Santa Maria dei Servi Church (14th Century)
by Chiara Coletti, Ludovica Pia Cesareo, Jacopo Nava, Luigi Germinario, Lara Maritan, Matteo Massironi and Claudio Mazzoli
Heritage 2023, 6(2), 1277-1292; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6020070 - 29 Jan 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2468
Abstract
Tidal exchange, capillary rise, water condensation-evaporation cycles, and crystallization of salts are the main causes of damage in historic brick buildings in Venice. The present study addressed these issues by proposing a study of twenty-three brick samples collected on the main façade of [...] Read more.
Tidal exchange, capillary rise, water condensation-evaporation cycles, and crystallization of salts are the main causes of damage in historic brick buildings in Venice. The present study addressed these issues by proposing a study of twenty-three brick samples collected on the main façade of the Santa Maria dei Servi Church (14th century). The color, mineralogical composition, and texture of these samples were studied using standard methods such as spectrophotometry, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), optical microscopy (OM), and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The presence of carbonates (calcite and dolomite) and newly formed silicate phases, such as gehlenite and diopside, provided indications of the temperatures reached during firing and suggested the absence of a good standardization in the production process. Meanwhile, XRPD and hyperspectral analysis (HA) detected sulfates (e.g., gypsum and mirabilite) as the main weathering products due to the salt decay process that affects monuments in the Venice lagoon environment. Moreover, secondary phases, such as Mg- and Ca-zeolites, occurred in bricks where the groundmass observed by OM was more vitrificated, and the XRPD patterns displayed the highest amorphous content. On-site mapping of sulfates and chlorophyll by HA was also performed on the main façade of the Church, highlighting the large presence of salts and biodeterioration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Italian Research Applied to Cultural Heritage)
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10 pages, 5678 KiB  
Article
Once upon a Glass—Cycles, Recycles and Reuses of a Never-Ending Material
by Tania Chinni, Alberta Silvestri, Sara Fiorentino and Mariangela Vandini
Heritage 2023, 6(1), 662-671; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6010035 - 14 Jan 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1636
Abstract
Glass can be considered a locus of meaning, a material which has been the repository of traditional knowledge and technological expertise for at least three millennia. The history of glass speaks of know-how, technological transitions, and contaminations of recipes for its manufacture, which [...] Read more.
Glass can be considered a locus of meaning, a material which has been the repository of traditional knowledge and technological expertise for at least three millennia. The history of glass speaks of know-how, technological transitions, and contaminations of recipes for its manufacture, which have changed across the world over the centuries. As the amount of recovered glass from archaeological contexts is much lower compared to ceramic and metal finds, research has often considered glass as a rare material. Furthermore, glass production, in ancient times as in the present day, requires the use of selected raw materials and noticeable amounts of fuel, making reuse and recycling practices necessary to foster sustainability, from both an economical and an environmental perspective. Latin authors, such as Juvenal and Martial, reported buyers of broken glass in Imperial Rome, presumably destined for recycling. Archaeometry has also provided data that allow, today, to clarify different aspects related to production cycles, uses and reuses of a material that, starting from the Roman age, became as common as modern plastics. From beakers and goblets reused with different purposes to mosaic tesserae detached for making new mosaics or to be refused and employed as “pigments” for colouring glass, this paper aims to provide an overview of reuse and recycling practices of ancient glass through a discussion of selected case studies from Roman to Middle Ages, showing how the cycle of this material can be framed as an actual example of sustainable circular economy in the past. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Italian Research Applied to Cultural Heritage)
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20 pages, 11227 KiB  
Article
Volcanic Pozzolan from the Phlegraean Fields in the Structural Mortars of the Roman Temple of Nora (Sardinia)
by Simone Dilaria, Caterina Previato, Jacopo Bonetto, Michele Secco, Arturo Zara, Raffaella De Luca and Domenico Miriello
Heritage 2023, 6(1), 567-586; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6010030 - 10 Jan 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2529
Abstract
In this paper, we discuss the presence of volcanic pozzolans in the structural mortars of the Roman Temple of Nora in Sardinia (3rd c. AD), represented by pyroclastic rocks (pumices and tuffs) employed as coarse and fine aggregates. The provenance of these materials [...] Read more.
In this paper, we discuss the presence of volcanic pozzolans in the structural mortars of the Roman Temple of Nora in Sardinia (3rd c. AD), represented by pyroclastic rocks (pumices and tuffs) employed as coarse and fine aggregates. The provenance of these materials from the Phlegraean Fields was highlighted through a multi-analytical approach, involving Polarized Light Microscopy on thin sections (PLM), Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Quantitative Phase Analysis by X-ray Powder Diffraction (QPA-XRPD), and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) investigations. These volcanic pozzolans, outcropping in the Bay of Naples between Pozzuoli and the Vesuvius, are traditionally associated with the pulvis puteolana, the famous pozzolanic ash prescribed by Vitruvius and Pliny in order to confer strength and waterproofing capabilities to ancient concretes. This is the first evidence of the trade of this volcanic material from the Neapolitan area to Sardinia, starting at least by the Middle Imperial Age. The use of the pulvis puteolana in the Roman Temple of Nora seems primarily targeted to strengthen above-ground masonries, while waterproofing capabilities were not strictly pursued. This opens new questions about the construction reasons for which the demand and commercialization for this product was intended. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Italian Research Applied to Cultural Heritage)
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9 pages, 36951 KiB  
Article
Prediction Model for the Evolution of the Deterioration of Bricks in Heritage Buildings in Venice Caused by Climate Change
by Enrique Hernández-Montes, Luisa Hdz-Gil, Chiara Coletti, Simone Dilaria, Luigi Germinario and Claudio Mazzoli
Heritage 2023, 6(1), 483-491; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6010025 - 05 Jan 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1349
Abstract
This work presents a methodology for obtaining a quantitative expression of the superficial deterioration of bricks affected by climatic conditions. The method combines in situ measurements with laboratory data. Input data on material recession were obtained from photogrammetric observations, the material properties were [...] Read more.
This work presents a methodology for obtaining a quantitative expression of the superficial deterioration of bricks affected by climatic conditions. The method combines in situ measurements with laboratory data. Input data on material recession were obtained from photogrammetric observations, the material properties were derived from laboratory tests or the relevant literature, and climate data were provided from regional environmental monitoring service. The climatic parameters considered in this study are: relative humidity, number of freeze-thaw cycles (i.e., mean number of days per year with temperatures below zero), and peak sun hours per day. The methodology proposed estimates the deterioration rate of brick façades under variable climate conditions over time. As a conclusion of this research, a new tool for the structural evaluation of brick walls is presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Italian Research Applied to Cultural Heritage)
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13 pages, 7423 KiB  
Article
Archaeometric Characterization of Wall Paintings from Isera and Ventotene Roman Villas
by Paolo Ferretti, Michela Canali and Barbara Maurina
Heritage 2022, 5(4), 3316-3328; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage5040170 - 01 Nov 2022
Viewed by 997
Abstract
The authors present the first results of an archaeometric research project set up by the Rovereto Civic Museum Foundation in collaboration with MUSE–Trento Science Museum, aiming at analysing and comparing Roman plasters from different sites in order to highlight similarities and differences related [...] Read more.
The authors present the first results of an archaeometric research project set up by the Rovereto Civic Museum Foundation in collaboration with MUSE–Trento Science Museum, aiming at analysing and comparing Roman plasters from different sites in order to highlight similarities and differences related to the preparation and realization of Roman wall renderings. The data concern the characterization of plaster samples from the Roman Villa of Isera and Ventotene (northern and central Italy) by means of a thin-section mineropetrographic examination under an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Italian Research Applied to Cultural Heritage)
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9 pages, 2552 KiB  
Article
Microclimate and Weathering in Cultural Heritage: Design of a Monitoring Apparatus for Field Exposure Tests
by Luigi Germinario, Chiara Coletti, Giampaolo Girardi, Lara Maritan, Nicola Praticelli, Raffaele Sassi, Jørgen Solstad and Claudio Mazzoli
Heritage 2022, 5(4), 3211-3219; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage5040165 - 27 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1655
Abstract
An innovative experimental method for the long-term monitoring of outdoor microclimate and material decay at cultural heritage sites was developed to aid the formulation of new damage functions and models for climate-change risk assessment. To that end, an apparatus for field exposure tests [...] Read more.
An innovative experimental method for the long-term monitoring of outdoor microclimate and material decay at cultural heritage sites was developed to aid the formulation of new damage functions and models for climate-change risk assessment. To that end, an apparatus for field exposure tests was designed to monitor a variety of historical building materials in different environmental settings. The data series acquired, i.e., surface temperature and moisture, are compared with the corresponding meteorological datasets on a local and regional scale. The apparatus is designed for supporting also the monitoring of the physical and chemical changes caused by weathering. This novel method is expected to provide insights into the interaction between historical materials and the environment, which can be exploited for the protection and conservation of cultural heritage. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Italian Research Applied to Cultural Heritage)
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18 pages, 4187 KiB  
Article
A Multi-Instrument Analysis of the Late 16th Canvas Painting, “Coronation of the Virgin with the Saints Ambrose and Jerome”, Attributed to the Tuscany-Umbria Area to Support the Possibility of Bio-Cleaning Using a Bacteria-Based System
by Sofia Annarilli, Antonella Casoli, Claudia Colantonio, Luca Lanteri, Angela Marseglia, Claudia Pelosi and Sabrina Sottile
Heritage 2022, 5(4), 2904-2921; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage5040150 - 30 Sep 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1759
Abstract
(1) Background. The aim of this work is to combine non-invasive imaging with chemical characterization analyses to study original and restoration materials of a late 16th-century painting on a canvas representing the “Coronation of the Virgin with the Saints Ambrose and Jerome”, [...] Read more.
(1) Background. The aim of this work is to combine non-invasive imaging with chemical characterization analyses to study original and restoration materials of a late 16th-century painting on a canvas representing the “Coronation of the Virgin with the Saints Ambrose and Jerome”, preserved in the Diocesan archive of Orte, a town in the district of Viterbo (Italy). The diagnostic campaign was addressed to support the restoration activities and the choice of the most suitable cleaning operations. (2) Methods. Both traditional analytical techniques and innovative multispectral imaging were applied to solve the diagnostic issues and best address the restoration of the painting. Specifically, hypercolorimetric multispectral imaging (HMI), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), optical microscopy, and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were combined to obtain information on the general conservation state of the artwork and the characterization of pigments, organic binders, and superimposed materials, these last being particularly important to identify ancient and not-documented restoration intervention, enabling the correct choice of the most suitable and effective cleaning intervention. (3) Results. Multispectral data allowed us to differentiate and map original materials through infrared and ultraviolet false color images and spectral reflectance-based similarity maps, suggesting pigment attribution and focusing point analysis for characterization. This approach was particularly successful to identify and locate the presence of unaltered smalt blue in the first painting coat, which had been covered with other pigments, and to suggest the use of organic dye in mixtures with cinnabar and ochres. Spectroscopic and chromatographic techniques enabled us to identify the painting palette and confirm the use of oil-based binder for the pigments and characterize the altered top layers, made with a natural resin and an animal glue. (4) Conclusions. The characterization of the artwork’s materials was essential to select the most suitable methods and materials for the bio-cleaning, based on bacteria, experimented with during the restoration activities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Italian Research Applied to Cultural Heritage)
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