The Art of Everyday Objects: A Non-Invasive In Situ Investigation of Materials and Techniques of Italian Pop Art Paintings on Aluminium

Two paintings, made on aluminium support by Silvio Pasotti (among the major exponents of 1960s Italian pop art) were investigated in a totally non-invasive manner to identify the materials used by the artist. Raman spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), visible reflectance spectroscopy, and spectrofluorimetry with visible excitation were exploited as molecular analysis techniques, which are particularly suitable to recognise also synthetic organic materials, such as pigments and binders. The effectiveness of this multi-analytical approach was demonstrated, leading to the identification of several synthetic organic pigments, both conventional and “special effect” ones, introduced during the first half of the 20th century, as well as some well-established inorganic ones. Combining FTIR results both in the medium and near IR ranges, considerations regarding the binders employed by the artist could also be made, suggesting the use of both nitrocellulose and acrylic paints. Imaging techniques, such as IR reflectography, false colour IR, UV induced fluorescence, and portable microscopy, were also used to achieve a better knowledge of the painting practice.

Graffiti Characterization Prior to Intervention in the Punta Begoña Galleries (Getxo, North of Spain): Raman and XRF Spectroscopy in the Service of Restoration

The Historical and Cultural Heritage of Punta Begoña Galleries in Getxo (Bizkaia, North of Spain) are currently in restoration after being abandoned for years. For that reason, many graffiti, which directly affect the wall paintings, appear on most of their walls. Moreover, several graffiti overlap each other, which makes their removal more difficult. For all these reasons, the chemical characterization of these pigments is a priority to optimize the cleaning and consolidation treatments of wall paintings. That being the case, an analysis based on Raman spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence was carried out to obtain information to help conservators remove the graffiti without damaging the mural paintings and the support. Nevertheless, the first step, using X-ray fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy, involved the need for a database to compare the results and identify the compounds. Thus, different commercial inks were elementally and molecularly characterized to complete the existing databases. After this, an analysis of the inks was carried out that noted the presence of several organic pigments, such as phthalocyanines. Inorganic pigments such as titanium oxide were identified as well. After the analysis, the selection of the best removal process could be carried out to provide the most effective treatment, avoiding the “trial-and-error” classical practice.

A Study to Assess the Prevalence of Tattooing and Awareness about Associated Health Risks among Students in a Selected College of District Ludhiana, Punjab

Background: Tattooing has gained increasing popularity worldwide especially among adolescents and young adults. Worldwide, the evidence for tattooing has been found since old day. For thousands of years, human beings have marked their own skin, deliberately by permanently applying various types of pigment or ink. Tattoo inks usually consist of organic pigments, isopropyl alcohol and water. Tattooing is a practice in numerous cultures, for a variety of reasons. Sometimes tattoos are used as a proof of social status, or to identify one’s membership. Therefore a study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of tattooing and awareness about associated health risks among students in a selected college of district Ludhiana, Punjab. Objective: To assess the prevalence of tattooing and awareness about health risks associated with tattooing among students. Material and Method: A descriptive research design was used to assess the prevalence of tattooing and awareness about associated health risks among students in selected college of district Ludhiana, Punjab. Convenience sampling technique was used to select sample of 144 students. Data was collected electronically (Google Forms). Analysis was done as per objectives of study by using descriptive and inferential statistics. Result: The study results showed that Majority of the students (>80%) were aware about common health risks related to tattooing. Age and socioeconomic status of students had significant association with awareness of health risk related to tattooing. Conclusion: The study finding revealed that nearly (98.6%) subjects had no tattoo. Hence it was concluded that the prevalence of tattooing among students is (1.4%). In context of tattooing, (42.4%) students were interested to have tattoo whereas, (51.4%) were not interested and (6.3%) were eager to try getting tattoo. Key words: Students, Tattoo, health risks.

Scientific Analysis on the Accessory Ornament of Woolen Tapestry Curtain in Seoul Museum of Craft Art

Woolen tapestry curtains possessed by the Seoul Museum of Craft Art were used to hung on the wall or used for carpets in the winter season in the late Joseon dynasty. Since similar artifacts were only used for the curtain as functional aspects, woolen tapestry curtains were a rare case. In this study, scientific analysis on the accessory ornament of woolen tapestry curtains such as components of metal accessories and frame bar were conducted with the microscope, p-XRF, and SEM. Result of frame bar pigments, organic pigments such as ink stick were likely been used in woolen tapestry curtain 1. In woolen tapestry 2, lead red (Minium) was used in the frame bar. The result of metal parts, copper, and zinc were analyzed by p-XRF. This suggests that metal accessories were crafted using brass. Frame bar of woolen tapestry curtain 2 was made of soft pine (Pinus spp.) analyzed with the scanning electron microscope. Artifacts like woolen tapestry curtains are rare in Korea and scientific analysis databases were scarce, so it is important to construct components analysis data of woolen tapestry curtains. It is expected that additional scientific analysis and interpretation on the artifact’s crafting technique can be merged with the analytical data gathered in this study to be utilized on the conservation and restoration of not only woolen curtains but curtain artifacts of the late Joseon dynasty in general.

Identification of Pre-1950 Synthetic Organic Pigments in Artists’ Paints. A Non-Invasive Approach Using Handheld Raman Spectroscopy

There is little information on the actual use of early synthetic organic pigments (SOPs) in art objects, especially those from before 1950. Their presence can, however, pose a challenge to conservation because their chemical composition, as well as their lightfastness and sensitivity to solvents, are often unknown. Here, a study on the non-invasive identification of SOPs in historic pre-1950 varnished paint-outs from artists’ materials manufacturer Royal Talens is presented. The paints were analysed using a handheld Raman device. Spectra were evaluated by recording the spectra of the same samples with a benchtop instrument. This study demonstrated that the identification of SOPs in varnished oil paints with a non-invasive approach is possible and rather straightforward. The handheld Raman device allowed us to identify fourteen SOPs from eight pigment classes. Besides the occurrence of expected and the known SOPs of this time period, there were also some surprising results, like the detection of the triarylcarbonium pigments PG2 and PB8, and the monoazo Mordant Yellow 1.