scholarly journals Multi-Modal, Non-Invasive Investigation of Modern Colorants on Three Early Modern Prints by Maria Sibylla Merian

Heritage ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 1590-1604
Author(s):  
Olivia Dill ◽  
Marc Vermeulen ◽  
Alicia McGeachy ◽  
Marc Walton
Keyword(s):  
Early Modern ◽  
Historical Analysis ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Photometric Stereo ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Special Collections ◽  
Normal Mapping ◽  
The University ◽  
Art Dealer

Northwestern University’s Charles Deering McCormick Library of Special Collections owns three hand-colored copperplate engravings that once belonged to an edition of Matamorphosis Insectorum Surinamensium by artist-naturalist Maria Sibylla Merian (1647–1717). Because early modern prints are often colored by early modern readers, or modern collectors, it was initially unclear whether the coloring on these prints should be attributed to the print maker, to subsequent owners or collectors, or to an art dealer. Such ambiguities posed challenges for the interpretation of these prints by art historians. Therefore, the prints underwent multi-modal, non-invasive technical analysis to assess the date and material composition of the prints’ coloring. The work combined several different non-invasive analytical techniques: hyperspectral imaging (HSI), macro X-ray fluorescence (MA-XRF) mapping, surface normal mapping with photometric stereo, visible light photography, and visual comparative art historical analysis. As a result, the prints and paper were attributed to a late eighteenth-century posthumous edition of Merian’s work while the colorants were dated to the early twentieth century. This information enables more thorough contextualization of these prints in their use as teaching and research tools in the University collection.

Comparative Spectroscopic Analysis of Maya Wall Paintings from Ek’Balam, Mexico

2014 ◽  
Vol 1618 ◽  
pp. 63-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Alonso ◽  
N. A. Pérez ◽  
J. L. Ruvalcaba Sil ◽  
E. Casanova ◽  
P. Claes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spectroscopic Analysis ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Archaeological Site ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Yellow Orange ◽  
Pigment Distribution ◽  
The Rich ◽  
Invasive Techniques

ABSTRACTThe Maya archaeological site of Ek’Balam is located in Yucatán, Mexico. This place is known for its artistic tradition of reliefs modeled in stucco as well as the rich pictorial and hieroglyphic texts. Although the mural played a key role in the artistic program architectural of elite groups, most of these remains have not been studied, either by its incomplete or fragile condition, or by localization in inaccessible substructures.In this study, technical aspects of the mural paintings from rooms 12 and 50 of the main building of the site are addressed by the spectroscopic analysis of its materials. Optical microscopy was used to observe the layers superposition and pigment distribution, while the stucco and rock support were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). Moreover, the chromatic palette composed of different colors and tones of red, yellow, orange, green, blue and black were analyzed mainly with non-invasive techniques using Raman and FTIR spectroscopies as well as XRF.The information obtained from the combination of these analytical techniques, allowed a better understanding of the similarities and differences between these two rooms that were built during the last construction stage of the Acropolis. These results were also compared with previous analyses of mural painting of this site and other Maya paintings.

scholarly journals The Art of science: a ‘Rediscovery’ of the Lister Copperplates

2011 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 19-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna Marie Roos
Keyword(s):  
Eighteenth Century ◽  
World War I ◽  
Historical Analysis ◽  
Bodleian Library ◽  
World War ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Fluorescence Techniques ◽  
University Of Oxford ◽  
The University ◽  
Comprehensive Study

In 1712 Martin Lister bequeathed the collection of more than 1000 copperplates to the University of Oxford that he used for his Historiae Conchyliorum , the first comprehensive study of conchology. In the mid-eighteenth century, William Huddesford, keeper of the Bodleian Library, used the copperplates to create another edition of Historiae , but after that they are not mentioned again in the published literature. I recently ‘rediscovered’ the plates in the Bodleian Library, since their transfer from the Ashmolean Museum in 1860. I use historical analysis, as well as a selective study of the copperplates with X-ray fluorescence techniques, to examine a portion of the plates and the process of their production. I show that Martin Lister's daughter engraved a paper for Philosophical Transactions , and demonstrate that she was among the first female scientific illustrators to use a microscope. Furthermore, one of the Lister copperplates may be the last survivor of those engraved for Philosophical Transactions , the rest having been surrendered to the nation in World War I. The significant intellectual and artisanal challenges presented to a skilful naturalist in the transformation of a field specimen into an aesthetically pleasing illustration as well as a scientific object conveying taxonomic information are delineated.

scholarly journals Close up to the Surface: Reflections on a Preliminary Forensic Study of Four Chinese Bronze Mirrors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiafang Liang ◽  
Quentin Parker
Keyword(s):  
Forensic Evidence ◽  
Archaeological Evidence ◽  
True Nature ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Tool Marks ◽  
Warring States ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Surface Microscopy ◽  
Bronze Mirrors ◽  
The University

Abstract This article presents a generic, objective and evidence based forensic study of 4 very different Chinese bronze mirrors. The work was done within the Architectural Conservation Laboratory (ACLab), the Department of Physics and also the Planetary Spectroscopy and Mineralogy Laboratory (PSML) at the University of Hong Kong. The mirrors nominally cover the period of the Warring States (475-221BC), Han (206 BC to 220AD) and later Song (960-1279AD) dynasties. Comprehensive, mostly non-invasive, analytical methods and techniques were used. These included surface microscopy of tool marks, patina, corrosion and any residual archaeological evidence. Ultraviolet radiation examination, chemical spot testing and polarised light microscopy of ground-up patina samples was also done. More sophisticated “pXRF” X-ray fluorescence , “MARS” tomographic X-ray scanning and infrared spectroscopic analysis of the bronze alloys, corrosions and any earthen encrustations were also performed. This was to uncover as much forensic evidence as possible for these unprovenanced bronze mirrors. The results have revealed key metallurgical information of those four mirrors along with surface patina morphology and details of the corrosion and residual surface archaeology. A database on the physical condition of these mirrors has been established and burial/treatment history revealed. Mirrors 1 and 2 appear to have been heavily cleaned, polished and treated with abrasives in modern times. Mirror 2 in particular, has some problematic corrosion and inconclusive alloy composition. Mirror 3 and 4 both have archaeological evidence and no contrary forensic data that questions authenticity. Forensic study and verification of objects and artworks for academic purposes remains a legitimate and vital undertaking for universities, museums and national collections across the globe. Hence, the issue of authenticity when archaeological context is lacking is discussed. However, our key aim is to establish what can be learnt from technological, forensic investigation when studying bronze mirrors without further context and records, and what firm, generic evidence can be extracted from such close forensic examination to shed light on their true nature. We hope this will be useful for other researchers.

Non-Invasive Analysis of Green Stone Pieces from Tomb 1 of Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas

2014 ◽  
Vol 1618 ◽  
pp. 17-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. D. Manrique-Ortega ◽  
P. Claes ◽  
E. Casanova-González ◽  
J. L. Ruvalcaba-Sil ◽  
Ma. A. García-Bucio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
Classic Period ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Integrated Methodology ◽  
Ft Ir ◽  
Trading Networks ◽  
Different Cultures ◽  
Non Destructive ◽  
Ft Ir Spectroscopy

ABSTRACTRecently, a team of archaeologists discovered the existence of the oldest burial in a pyramid known to date in Mesoamerica. The tomb, referred to as Tomb 1, was discovered in Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas, Mexico. In here, two skeletons were excavated along with a rich offering of green stone pieces, indicating their elite origin. The burial dresses consist of various necklaces, bracelets, belts, and anklets from which some beads were carved in the shape of gourds, monkeys, and alligators. Here we present a full, integrated methodology based on a variety of non-invasive and non-destructive analytical techniques, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF), Raman, and Fourier Transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. These techniques are used to characterize and identify the minerals which were found in these burials. This information contributes not only to conservation and restoration purposes, but also gives more insights on the green stone (jadeite and other minerals) trading networks between different cultures in south Mesoamerica in the Pre-Classic period (c.a. 750 – 700 B. C.).

scholarly journals Close up to the surface: reflections on a preliminary forensic study of four Chinese bronze mirrors

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiafang Liang ◽  
Quentin Parker
Keyword(s):  
Forensic Evidence ◽  
Archaeological Evidence ◽  
True Nature ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Tool Marks ◽  
Warring States ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Surface Microscopy ◽  
Bronze Mirrors ◽  
The University

AbstractThis article presents a generic, objective and evidence based forensic study of 4 very different Chinese bronze mirrors. The work was done within the Architectural Conservation Laboratory (ACLab), the Department of Physics, the Faculty of Medicine and also the Planetary Spectroscopy and Mineralogy Laboratory (PSML) all at the University of Hong Kong. The mirrors nominally cover the period of the Warring States (475–221 BC), Han (206 BC to 220 AD) and later Song (960–1279AD) dynasties. Comprehensive, mostly non-invasive, analytical methods and techniques were used. These included surface microscopy of tool marks, patina, corrosion and any residual archaeological evidence. Ultraviolet radiation examination, chemical spot testing and polarised light microscopy of ground-up patina samples was also done. More sophisticated “pXRF” X-ray fluorescence, “MARS” tomographic X-ray scanning and infrared spectroscopic analysis of the bronze alloys, corrosions and any earthen encrustations were also performed. This was to uncover as much forensic evidence as possible for these unprovenanced bronze mirrors. The results have revealed key metallurgical information of those four mirrors along with surface patina morphology and details of the corrosion and residual surface archaeology. A database on the physical condition of these mirrors has been established and burial/treatment history revealed. Mirrors 1 and 2 appear to have been heavily cleaned, polished and treated with abrasives in modern times. Mirror 2 in particular, has some problematic corrosion and inconclusive alloy composition. Mirror 3 and 4 both have archaeological evidence and no contrary forensic data that questions authenticity. Forensic study and verification of objects and artworks for academic purposes remains a legitimate and vital undertaking for universities, museums and national collections across the globe. Hence, the issue of authenticity when archaeological context is lacking is discussed. However, our key aim is to establish what can be learnt from technological, forensic investigation when studying bronze mirrors without further context and records, and what firm, generic evidence can be extracted from such close forensic examination to shed light on their true nature. We hope this will be useful for other researchers.

scholarly journals The Renaissance in Toronto: Early Modern Italian Books in the Collections of the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 181-212
Author(s):  
Antonio Ricci
Keyword(s):  
Early Modern ◽  
Print Culture ◽  
Rare Book ◽  
University Of Toronto ◽  
University Library ◽  
Special Collections ◽  
Renaissance Studies ◽  
Rare Books ◽  
The University

The Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library at the University of Toronto has significant holdings of books printed in Italy during the Renaissance. These volumes cover a wide variety of disciplines and represent a major resource for scholars of literature, philosophy, science, and print culture. The article explains how the Renaissance material came to Toronto by tracing the historical formation of the rare books and special collections of the University Library. It then analyzes the main areas of strength of the Fisher’s early modern holdings, offering representative examples of the most important editions and of the outstanding bibliographic treasures. Finally, it briefly considers the contribution made by the Fisher Library to Renaissance studies in Canada in the last fifty years. La bibliothèque Thomas Fisher de livres rares de l’Université de Toronto possède une collection significative de livres imprimés en Italie à la Renaissance. Ces livres relèvent d’une variété de disciplines et constituent une importante ressource pour la recherche en littérature, en philosophie, en science, et en histoire de l’imprimerie. Cet article décrit comment ces livres de la Renaissance se retrouvent à Toronto, en retraçant l’histoire de la collection de livres rares et des collections spéciales de l’Université de Toronto. On y analyse ensuite les domaines majeurs de la collection Fisher de livres de la Renaissance, par le biais d’exemples des plus importantes éditions et des trésors bibliographiques inestimables. Enfin, on y décrit la contribution de la bibliothèque Fisher aux études canadiennes de la Renaissance des cinquante dernières années.

Thanks for Typing: Women’s Roles in Editions and Translations of Arthurian Literature in Penguin Classics, 1959–1985

2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 140-162
Author(s):  
Rebecca E. Lyons
Keyword(s):  
Twentieth Century ◽  
Early Modern ◽  
Women's Roles ◽  
Arthurian Literature ◽  
Special Collections ◽  
Late Twentieth ◽  
The Masses ◽  
The University ◽  
Late Twentieth Century ◽  
Invisible Labour

Abstract Based on documentary research undertaken in the Penguin Archive in the University of Bristol’s Special Collections, this article highlights various ways in which women’s often invisible labour contributed to the publication of editions and translations of medieval and early modern Arthurian literature in the mid- to late-twentieth century. The discussion includes a range of roles and individuals involved in bringing Arthurian literature to publication, including the academics commissioned to undertake translations, the editors and administrators in Penguin’s employ, as well as secretaries, wives, readers and other figures operating outside of Penguin. The article attempts a recuperation of the women’s labour involved in bringing Arthurian literature to the masses, and celebrates their part in the establishment and perpetuation of Arthurian Studies as a discipline.

The Library and Material Texts

PMLA ◽  
2004 ◽  
Vol 119 (5) ◽  
pp. 1347-1352
Author(s):  
Peter Stallybrass
Keyword(s):  
Early Modern ◽  
Print Culture ◽  
University Of Pennsylvania ◽  
Early Modern Europe ◽  
Rare Book ◽  
Special Collections ◽  
History Of ◽  
Modern Europe ◽  
The University ◽  
Material Texts

For the last three years, roger chartier and i have taught an undergraduate seminar called the history of print Culture in Early Modern Europe and America. Although the content of the course has changed, one feature has been persistent: at least half our classes met in the rare-book libraries of Philadelphia. While we have often held the seminar in Special Collections at the University of Pennsylvania, we have also gone to the Library Company of Philadelphia, the Free Library, and the Rosenbach Museum and Library. This would not have been possible without the extraordinary openness and generosity of the Philadelphia libraries and librarians. But the work of those librarians has not only provided an infrastructure for the course; it has also reshaped what we've worked on and how we teach it.

The Use of Advanced Analytical Techniques for Characterization of the Chemical, Physical, and Crystallographic Nature of a Surface

1973 ◽  
Vol 31 ◽  
pp. 132-133 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. E. Herfert
Keyword(s):  
Surface Characterization ◽  
Analytical Techniques ◽  
X Ray Diffraction ◽  
Depth Of Penetration ◽  
X Ray ◽  
The Past ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Scanning Electron

Studies of the nature of a surface, either metallic or nonmetallic, in the past, have been limited to the instrumentation available for these measurements. In the past, optical microscopy, replica transmission electron microscopy, electron or X-ray diffraction and optical or X-ray spectroscopy have provided the means of surface characterization. Actually, some of these techniques are not purely surface; the depth of penetration may be a few thousands of an inch. Within the last five years, instrumentation has been made available which now makes it practical for use to study the outer few 100A of layers and characterize it completely from a chemical, physical, and crystallographic standpoint. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) provides a means of viewing the surface of a material in situ to magnifications as high as 250,000X.

X-ray microtomography

1988 ◽  
Vol 46 ◽  
pp. 998-999
Author(s):  
H.W. Deckman ◽  
B.F. Flannery ◽  
J.H. Dunsmuir ◽  
K.D' Amico
Keyword(s):  
Computed Tomography ◽  
Internal Structure ◽  
Imaging Technique ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Tissue Structure ◽  
Individual Element ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Panoramic Imaging ◽  
Three Dimensional Images

We have developed a new X-ray microscope which produces complete three dimensional images of samples. The microscope operates by performing X-ray tomography with unprecedented resolution. Tomography is a non-invasive imaging technique that creates maps of the internal structure of samples from measurement of the attenuation of penetrating radiation. As conventionally practiced in medical Computed Tomography (CT), radiologists produce maps of bone and tissue structure in several planar sections that reveal features with 1mm resolution and 1% contrast. Microtomography extends the capability of CT in several ways. First, the resolution which approaches one micron, is one thousand times higher than that of the medical CT. Second, our approach acquires and analyses the data in a panoramic imaging format that directly produces three-dimensional maps in a series of contiguous stacked planes. Typical maps available today consist of three hundred planar sections each containing 512x512 pixels. Finally, and perhaps of most import scientifically, microtomography using a synchrotron X-ray source, allows us to generate maps of individual element.

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