Marcella Ioele

Conservation and restoration interventions must be implemented whenever the preservation of a cultural asset and its transmission to future generations, is deemed at risk. The causes and mechanisms by which cultural heritage undergoes progressive deterioration are numerous and complex, as are the restoration operations devised to address various issues and ensure their preservation. In light of the recent and growing need to identify solutions that are not only effective but also environmentally sustainable, promoting a gradual ecological transition in the field of cultural heritage, there is increasing interest in green materials and methods. Within this context, the ICR, is currently exploring the possibilities of bio-based solutions for consolidation purposes. The joint efforts of restoration and scientific laboratories is especially devoted to experimental campaigns started in order to test innovative environmentally friendly nanomaterials. As a part of these activities, ICR is recently focussing on the investigation of nanocellulose compounds for the consolidation and structural reinforcement of organic supports of cultural heritage, such as textile fibres, canvas, wood and paper. Nanocellulose, capable of obtaining good results without altering their main characteristics and chemical properties of cellulosic substrates, represents an attractive alternative to the use of synthetic polymers.

This work aimed to assess the potential efficacy of a novel polysaccharides-based extract as a green consolidant for the pictorial layer on marble substrates. Understanding its properties could lead to determining whether it can ensure the correct conservation and transmission of the cultural heritage. Four different types of marble specimens were prepared with paint based on malachite (egg, tempera grassa, rabbit glue, and linseed oil as binders). Colorimetric analyses, peeling tests, SEM-EDS, and FTIR spectroscopy were used to test the properties of the consolidant. Results reveal that no aesthetic changes occur when using the extract on painted surfaces and that the cohesive properties of most pictorial films increase after its application, confirming the consolidating effect. In conclusion, the use of an innovative green product for the restoration of marble-painted surfaces can be considered a possible good solution for consolidating treatment. Through this initial explorative research, we suggest an innovative approach to the protection of cultural heritage that doesn’t cause harm to both the restorer’s health and the environment.

The removal of non-original superimposed layers covering the original pictorial layer in paintings is a common practice to restore the authentic appearance of surfaces and mitigate potential risks to artwork preservation. Contemporary assessments of the effectiveness of such cleaning treatments often employ non-destructive analytical methods. However, many existing techniques face limitations, either lacking specificity in compound identification or analyzing very limited areas (<millimeters) through a point-by-point approach. This study introduces the application of a macro Fourier transform infrared scanner, in reflection mode (MA-rFTIR), as an effective tool for supporting restorers during cleaning processes. This method proved successful in addressing challenges related to the removal of calcium oxalate films and non-original superimposed layers on two ancient paintings.