Characterization of the Chemical Nature of the Black Ink in the Manuscript of The Gospel of Jesus's Wife through Micro-Raman Spectroscopy

Abstract This paper presents a study of the drawing papers from Borko Lazeski’s cartoons for a mural painting. The collection is comprised of more than 20 single pieces (170×500 cm) executed in charcoal, pencil, pastel, tempera and ink. The cartoons exhibit different types of damages, such as grease stains, moisture stains, cracks, flaking paint, areas of loss caused by insects and mould stains. The study included spot tests, ATR-FTIR and micro-Raman spectroscopy to characterise the artist’s papers. They were found to be a type of paper composed of partly bleached, neutral sulphite semi-chemical (NSSC) wood pulp originating from coniferous trees (softwood) with the occasional use of abaca fibres. The laboratory tests revealed slightly acidic conditions (pH=5.01–6.52), high lignin content (>5 %) and alum-rosin sizing. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed all findings of the spot tests. Micro-Raman spectroscopy showed the presence of gypsum in the papers. The study addresses conservation issues arising from the chemical nature of the paper support and highlights the need for an extended study in order to be able to make informed treatment choices.

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A non-destructive characterization of stratigraphies in contemporary prints using micro-Raman spectroscopy

Journal of Raman Spectroscopy ◽

10.1002/jrs.1759 ◽

2007 ◽

Vol 38 (10) ◽

pp. 1267-1273 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

A. Vila ◽

T. Jawhari ◽

J. F. García

Keyword(s):

Raman Spectroscopy ◽

Micro Raman Spectroscopy ◽

Non Destructive ◽

Non Destructive Characterization

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XRD, SEM/EDX and micro-Raman spectroscopy for mineralogical and chemical characterization of iron slags from the Roman archaeological site of Forua (Biscay, North Spain)

Microchemical Journal ◽

10.1016/j.microc.2018.01.020 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 138 ◽

pp. 246-254 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Haizea Portillo ◽

Maria Cruz Zuluaga ◽

Luis Angel Ortega ◽

Ainhoa Alonso-Olazabal ◽

Xabier Murelaga ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Raman Spectroscopy ◽

Chemical Characterization ◽

Archaeological Site ◽

Micro Raman Spectroscopy

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Micro-Raman Spectroscopy, a Powerful Technique Allowing Sure Identification and Complete Characterization of Asbestiform Minerals

Applied Sciences ◽

10.3390/app9153092 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (15) ◽

pp. 3092 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Caterina Rinaudo ◽

Alessandro Croce

Keyword(s):

Raman Spectroscopy ◽

Crystal Surface ◽

Complete Characterization ◽

Mineral Phase ◽

Asbestos Fibers ◽

Micro Raman Spectroscopy ◽

Fibrous Minerals ◽

Iron Sulphate ◽

Asbestiform Minerals

Micro-Raman spectroscopy has been applied to fibrous minerals regulated as “asbestos”—anthophyllite, actinolite, amosite, crocidolite, tremolite, and chrysotile—responsible of severe diseases affecting mainly, but not only, the respiratory system. The technique proved to be powerful in the identification of the mineral phase and in the recognition of particles of carbonaceous materials (CMs) lying on the “asbestos” fibers surface. Also, erionite, a zeolite mineral, from different outcrops has been analyzed. To erionite has been ascribed the peak of mesothelioma noticed in Cappadocia (Turkey) during the 1970s. On the fibers, micro-Raman spectroscopy allowed to recognize many grains, micrometric in size, of iron oxy-hydroxides or potassium iron sulphate, in erionite from Oregon, or particles of CMs, in erionite from North Dakota, lying on the crystal surface. Raman spectroscopy appears therefore to be the technique allowing, without preparation of the sample, a complete characterization of the minerals and of the associated phases.

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