scholarly journals Spectroscopic Investigation of Wall Paintings in the Alhambra Monumental Ensemble: Decorations with Red Bricks

Crystals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 423
Author(s):  
Paz Arjonilla ◽  
María José Ayora-Cañada ◽  
María José de la Torre-López ◽  
Elena Correa Gómez ◽  
Ramón Rubio Domene ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
White Layer ◽  
Wall Paintings ◽  
Portable Equipment ◽  
Lime Mortar ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Islamic Period ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Interior Walls ◽  
Execution Technique ◽  
Scanning Electron

The Alhambra Monumental Ensemble (Granada, Spain) is a unique well-preserved palatine city from the medieval Islamic period, and it constitutes the best example of Nasrid architecture. In this work, we focus on the study of one of its most unknown decorations: Wall paintings with the appearance of red bricks. These faux-brick decorations are found in many different locations within the Alhambra complex, including both exterior and interior walls, arches and vaults. We have considered locations from different Nasrid reigns to gain information about their characteristics in terms of materials, execution techniques and conservation state. They have been studied combining a non-invasive methodology using portable equipment (X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Raman spectroscopy) with complementary studies on selected samples (Scanning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and Raman microimaging). In general, those located in the exterior are poorly preserved, in contrast with the good conservation state of the interior motifs. The red rectangles of these decorations were painted over a white finishing layer, which acted also as the edge lines between these false bricks. The red colour was always due to hematite (α-Fe2O3), as revealed by its characteristic Raman bands. The use of a natural red ochre pigment (very abundant in the region) could be hypothesised considering XRF and SEM-EDS results. In general, the white layer was made of lime mortar and the presence of CaCO3 in the painting layers suggests the use of lime-based techniques (either fresco or mezzo fresco). Only in one of the indoor locations, a different execution technique, based on gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O) plaster, was used. The identification of calcium oxalate in this location, in the form of weddellite (CaC2O4·2H2O), can be interpreted as the result of organic binder degradation. Furthermore, superficial contamination with gypsum was always detected in outdoor locations.

scholarly journals Study of corrosion in archaeological gilded irons by Raman imaging and a coupled scanning electron microscope–Raman system

2016 ◽  
Vol 374 (2082) ◽  
pp. 20160046 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Veneranda ◽  
Ilaria Costantini ◽  
Silvia Fdez-Ortiz de Vallejuelo ◽  
Laura Garcia ◽  
Iñaki García ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscope ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscope ◽  
Chemical Imaging ◽  
Portable Equipment ◽  
Iron Matrix ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Combined Use ◽  
Stratigraphic Succession ◽  
Scanning Electron

In this work, analytical and chemical imaging tools have been applied to the study of a gilded spur found in the medieval necropolis of Erenozar (Bizkaia, Spain). As a first step, a lot of portable equipment has been used to study the object in a non-invasive way. The hand-held energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence equipment allowed us to characterize the artefact as a rare example of an iron matrix item decorated by means of a fire gilding technique. On the other hand, the use of a portable Raman system helped us to detect the main degradation compounds affecting the spur. Afterwards, further information was acquired in the laboratory by analysing detached fragments. The molecular images obtained using confocal Raman microscopy permitted us to characterize the stratigraphic succession of iron corrosions. Furthermore, the combined use of this technique with a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was achieved owing to the use of a structural and chemical analyser interface. In this way, the molecular characterization, enhanced by the magnification feature of the SEM, allowed us to identify several micrometric degradation compounds. Finally, the effectiveness of one of the most used desalination baths (NaOH) was evaluated by comparing its effects with those provided by a reference bath (MilliQ). The comparison proved that basic treatment avoided any side effects on the spur decorated by fire gilding, compensating for the lack of bibliographic documentation in this field. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Raman spectroscopy in art and archaeology’.

scholarly journals Multidisciplinary Approach Applied to the Diagnosis of the Facade of the Arciprestal Church of Santa María de Morella (Castellón, Spain)

Scanning ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Livio Ferrazza ◽  
María T. Pastor Valls ◽  
Gemma M. Contreras Zamorano ◽  
David Juanes Barber ◽  
Roxana Radvan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscopy ◽  
Multidisciplinary Approach ◽  
Polarized Light ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Wall Paintings ◽  
Preventive Conservation ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Santa Maria ◽  
Scanning Electron

This paper deals with the development of a multidisciplinary study on the current state of conservation of the facade of the Arciprestal Church of Santa María de Morella (Castellón, Spain), a work of the Gothic period of great historical and artistic value. The aim of this diagnosis was to undertake the preventive conservation actions required and increase the knowledge about the conservation of paintings on stones. During the diagnosis scanning, electron microscopy was demonstrated to be a valuable analytical method for wall paintings on stone. The facade, which since its construction has not undergone major architectural changes, has reached our days as it was configured in its creation, adding the traces of the passage of time and interventions that have suffered polychromies. Because of the conservation situation, it was decided to have an interdisciplinary project for the structural study of the work, an exhaustive study of the materials and their state of conservation. The study of the materials includes the identification of stone supports, mortars, the pictorial technique of the original and added polychromies, and the superficial patinas. On-site studies were carried out by ground penetration radar (GPR) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Among the techniques used in laboratory were optical polarized light microscopy (MO-LP), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy with microanalysis (SEM-EDX) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The study allowed to determine the different pathologies of alteration and degradation of stone substrate and polychromies, chromatic alterations, biological patinas, etc. During this study, it was demonstrated that the diagnosis of wall paintings is a complex issue that needs to be addressed in a multidisciplinary approach, where scanning electron microscopy with microanalysis is the key methodology to get a deeper understanding of subsurface characterization of wall paintings and highlight the weathering processes. In a second phase of previous studies, this technique (SEM) has been used in assessing the viability of consolidation systems and cleaning both the stone and the polychrome.

Effects of Strong Carbide-Forming Elements on Low Temperature Salt-Bath Chromizing

2011 ◽  
Vol 214 ◽  
pp. 646-650 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jin Ling Ye ◽  
Feng Ye
Keyword(s):  
Low Temperature ◽  
Layer Thickness ◽  
Plasma Nitriding ◽  
White Layer ◽  
Salt Bath ◽  
Chromium Concentration ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
White Layer Thickness ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Scanning Electron

The microstructure, phase structure, white layer thickness and chromium concentration, microhardness of the chromized layer of T10 steel and 3Cr2W8V steel by low temperature salt-bath chromizing with plasma nitriding are contrasted. The chromizing process is investigated by means of optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results show that the strong carbide-forming elements (Cr, W, V) obstruct the diffusion of chromium and carbon, the white layer thickness and microhardness, surface chromium concentration of the chromized layer are reduced. A chromized layer of T10 steel with average 7.3μm in thickness, 84.47% in surface chromium concentration and 1300HV-1400HV in microhardness is formed on the substrate by chromizing at 610°C for 6h, as compared to the chromized layer of 3Cr2W8V steel with average 3.3μm in thickness, 74.27% in surface chromium concentration and 1200HV-1300HV in microhardness.

scholarly journals Organic Matter and Pigments in the Wall Paintings of Me-Taw-Ya Temple in Bagan Valley, Myanmar

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (23) ◽  
pp. 11441
Author(s):  
Maria Letizia Amadori ◽  
Valeria Mengacci ◽  
Manuela Vagnini ◽  
Antonella Casoli ◽  
Parviz Holakooei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Raman Spectroscopy ◽  
Polarized Light ◽  
Pilot Project ◽  
Energy Dispersive ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Environmental Scanning ◽  
Wall Paintings ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Ancient City

Pagán is an ancient city located in Myanmar that is renowned for the remains of about 4000 pagodas, stupas, temples and monasteries dating from the 11th to 13th centuries. Due to a magnitude 6.8 earthquake in 2016, more than 300 ancient buildings were seriously damaged. As a part of the post-earthquake emergency program, a diagnostic pilot project was carried out on Me-taw-ya temple wall paintings to acquire further information on the materials and on their state of conservation. This article presents our attempts at characterising the painting materials at Me-taw-ya temple using non-invasive portable energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF), portable Raman spectroscopy and micro-invasive attenuated total reflectance—Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), micro-Raman spectroscopy (µ-Raman), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), polarized light microscopy (PLM) and environmental scanning electron microscope—X-ray energy dispersive system (ESEM-EDS) investigations with the aim of identifying the composition of organic binders and pigments. The presence of a proteinaceous glue mixed with the lime-based plaster was ascertained and identified by GC-MS. In addition, this technique confirmed the occurrence of plant-derived gums as binders pointing to the a secco technique. Fe-based compounds, vermillion, carbon black and As-compounds were identified to have been incorporated in the palette of the murals.

The Xth Cent. Church in Drustar: Study of Wall Paintings by Spectroscopic Methods

2002 ◽  
Vol 712 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Zorba ◽  
K.M. Paraskevopoulos ◽  
D.I. Siapkas ◽  
E. Pavlidou ◽  
S. Angelova ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscopy ◽  
Fourier Transform ◽  
Spectroscopic Methods ◽  
Wall Paintings ◽  
Christian Church ◽  
X Ray ◽  
River Danube ◽  
Byzantine Era ◽  
Scanning Electron

ABSTRACTThe technique and painting used in the earlier wall paintings from the characteristic Christian church in Drustar - close to the river Danube - in Bulgaria, are studied. The fragments of wall paintings used in this study are examined mainly by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDS). It is concluded that the technique used was fresco and that the pigments used are common to those used in the Byzantine era.

Study of Mexican Colonial Mural Paintings: An In-situ Non-Invasive Approach

2015 ◽  
Vol 1656 ◽  
pp. 75-93
Author(s):  
José Luis Ruvalcaba-Sil ◽  
Malinalli Wong-Rueda ◽  
Maria Angelica Garcia-Bucio ◽  
Edgar Casanova-Gonzalez ◽  
Mayra Dafne Manrique-Ortega ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Good Condition ◽  
Mural Painting ◽  
Portable Equipment ◽  
Invasive Approach ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Color Palette ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Mural Paintings ◽  
New Information

ABSTRACTColonial mural painting developed in Mexico in XVI century after the conquest of the pre-Hispanic cultures following the evangelization process little information exists about the chronology of the paintings and workshops, the painters, the pictorial techniques or the materiality of this art work.In this work, we present the non-invasive methodology of study of the pigments and other components of nine mural paintings in three colonial Augustinian ex-convents located in Epazoyucan, Actopan and Ixmiquilpan, in the state of Hidalgo, central Mexico. These places were selected not only because of the inherent value and iconographic characteristics of the paintings, which date to the XVI and XVII century, but also because they are in the same region and are well preserved and in good condition. Then it is possible to compare their materiality and get new information to answer to some of questions related to these paintings.X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Raman spectroscopy were conducted using portable equipment on scaffolds after a global examination under ultraviolet light. We were able to distinguish between different pigments used for different colors such as vermillion, orpiment, and a copper pigment, for the bright red, gold yellow, and green, respectively. These pigments are characteristic of the known Mexican Colonial color palette. Apart from this, we also found the presence of indigo in the blues, minium, and cochineal. A first comparison among the mural paintings of the three sites indicates different palettes and painting periods.

scholarly journals Low molecular weight organic acid salts, markers of old fungi activity in wall paintings

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 1637-1645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nati Salvadó ◽  
Salvador Butí ◽  
Trinitat Pradell ◽  
Victòria Beltran ◽  
Gianfelice Cinque ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Molecular Weight ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Low Molecular Weight ◽  
Wall Paintings ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Synchrotron Light ◽  
Scanning Electron

Micro-Infrared Spectroscopy (μSR-FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (μSR-XRD) with synchrotron light, Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (CG/MS), Optical Microscopy (OM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM/EDS) were used to obtain the distribution of calcium salts of low molecular weight organic acids (LMWOA) in micro-layered micro-samples.

scholarly journals Study of Pigments from the Colonial Convent of Actopan, Hidalgo, Mexico

Minerals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 852
Author(s):  
Jesús Benjamín Ortega-Lazcano ◽  
Demetrio Mendoza-Anaya ◽  
Eleazar Salinas-Rodríguez ◽  
Juan Hernández-Ávila ◽  
Otilio Arturo Acevedo-Sandoval ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
16Th Century ◽  
Wall Paintings ◽  
Ftir Analysis ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Color Palette ◽  
Red Color ◽  
Palygorskite Clay ◽  
Complementary Analysis ◽  
Scanning Electron

In this work, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) techniques were used to study blue, red, and ochre pigments from wall paintings of the 16th century colonial convent of San Nicolás de Tolentino in Actopan, Hidalgo, Mexico. In the blue pigments, nanometric fibers with a chemical composition of mostly O, Si, Al, and Mg were identified. XRD and FTIR analysis indicated the presence of palygorskite clay, which suggests that these analyzed blue pigments are similar to Mayan blue. In the red pigment, structures with different morphologies (spines and flake shapes, for instance), with a composition of C, O, Al, Si, S, Ca, Na, Mg, and K and a higher concentration of Fe and Pb, were observed. Complementary analysis showed that the red color originates from hematite and lead. Finally, the ochre pigment showed a significant presence of O and Fe, which was associated with the goethite mineral, while calcite was a crystalline phase identified in all analyzed pigments; these show that these pigments are characteristic of the known Mexican Colonial color palette.

scholarly journals Production Technology of Glazed Pottery in Chalcis, Euboea, during the Middle Byzantine Period

Heritage ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 4473-4494
Author(s):  
Adamantia Panagopoulou ◽  
Joanita Vroom ◽  
Anno Hein ◽  
Vassilis Kilikoglou
Keyword(s):  
Electron Microscopy ◽  
Scanning Electron Microscopy ◽  
Production Technology ◽  
Ceramic Body ◽  
Compositional Variation ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Byzantine Period ◽  
Scanning Electron

This paper focuses on various categories of glazed pottery, which were in circulation in western Euboea (Greece) during the Middle Byzantine and Late Byzantine Periods. The production technology and particularly the surface treatment of Byzantine glazed pottery have been investigated on the basis of 56 ceramic fragments from a rescue excavation in Orionos street in Chalkis, Euboea. This paper focuses on the manufacture of glazed pottery within the local pottery repertoire of Chalkis, while trying to contextualise the pottery typology and to consider the issues of technology. The chemical analysis by non-invasive energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS) provided information about the compositional variation of the examined glazed ceramics assemblage. Moreover, sections of the samples were examined by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in order to determine the microstructure of the samples, as well as the vitrification and the porosity of the ceramic body. Finally, X-ray diffraction (XRD) was applied for qualitative mineralogical analysis indicating presence or absence of high temperature phases and information about firing conditions.

scholarly journals Maya Blue Used in Wall Paintings in Mexican Colonial Convents of the XVI Century

Coatings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 88
Author(s):  
Luisa Straulino-Mainou ◽  
Teresa Pi-Puig ◽  
Becket Lailson-Tinoco ◽  
Karla Castro-Chong ◽  
María Fernanda Urbina-Lemus ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sixteenth Century ◽  
Clay Minerals ◽  
Wall Paintings ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Xrf Scanning ◽  
Maya Blue ◽  
Indigo Blue ◽  
Continued Use ◽  
Scanning Electron

Maya blue is a well-known pre-Hispanic pigment, composed of palygorskite or sepiolite and indigo blue, which was used by various Mesoamerican cultures for centuries. There has been limited research about its continued use during the Viceroyalty period; therefore, the sixteenth century is the perfect period through which to study the continuity of pre-Hispanic traditions. The fact that the indigenous people were active participants in the construction and decoration of convents makes their wall paintings a good sampling material. X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were performed in samples of blue found in convents across Puebla, Tlaxcala and Morelos in order to identify whether the numerous hues of blue were achieved with Maya blue or with other pigments. We found no copper (Cu) or cobalt (Co) with the XRF, so several pigments, such as azurite, smalt or verdigris, were discarded. With SEM, we discovered that the micromorphology of certain blues was clearly needle-shaped, suggesting the presence of palygorskite or sepiolite. In addition, we found silicon (Si), magnesium (Mg) and aluminum (Al) by using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) in all blue samples, which also suggests the presence of these magnesium-rich clay minerals. With the XRD samples, we verified that the blues were produced with these two clay minerals, thus confirming that several wall paintings were manufactured with Maya blue. These findings confirm that this particular manmade pre-Hispanic pigment, Maya blue, was an important pigment prior to the Viceroyal period.

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