Until recently, the study of drawings by old masters has been confined to the art history conservation field. More specifically, scientific investigations of Leonardo’s drawings are still very few, possibly due to the latter’s extreme fragility and a...
Some paintings may have hidden depictions beneath the visible surface, which can provide valuable insights into the artist’s creative process and the genesis of the artwork. Studies have shown that these covered paintings can be revealed throug...
This paper deals with the study of organic coatings (patinas) on historical bronzes, specifically those applied on small-size statues in Renaissance workshops. These coatings, often transparent and translucent, contain a mixture of organic and inorga...
Fayum mummy portraits, painted around 2000 years ago, represent a fascinating fusion of Egyptian and Graeco-Roman funerary and artistic traditions. Examination of these artworks may provide insight into the Roman Empire’s trade and economic and socia...
The experience of an object derives not only from the sight but also from the touch: a tactile exploration can reveal the smallest information trapped within the surface up to our tactile detective threshold. Starting from the importance of this obse...
Uncovering hidden subsurface features in mural paintings represents a fundamental challenge in cultural heritage conservation. Given the complex stratigraphy of these artworks, deterioration phenomena occur at various depths, making the non-destructi...