Scientific Analysis Of Cultural Heritage Objects

The characterization of cultural heritage objects becomes increasingly important for conservation, restoration, dating, and authentication purposes. The use of scientific methods in archaeometry and conservation science has led to a significant broadening of the field. Scientific analysis of these objects is a challenging task due to their complex composition, artistic and historical values requiring the use of minimally invasive and nondestructive analytical procedures. This textbook summarizes scientific methods that are currently used to characterize objects of cultural heritage and archaeological artifacts. This book provides a brief description of the structure of matter at the molecular, atomic, and nuclear levels. Furthermore, it discusses the chemical and physical nature of materials from the molecular to the atomic and nuclear level as determined by the principles of quantum mechanics. Important aspects of natural and anthropogenic radioactivity that play a critical role for some of the analytical techniques are also emphasized. The textbook also provides principals and applications of spectroscopic methods for characterization of cultural heritage objects. It describes the technologies with specific examples for utilization of spectroscopic techniques in the characterization of paintings, books, coins, ceramics, and other objects. Analytic approaches that employ isotopes and determination of isotope ratios will be reviewed. General principles of imaging techniques and specific examples for utilization of these methods will also be summarized. In the later part of the book, a number of scientific techniques for the age determination of cultural heritage material and archaeological artifacts will be presented and discussed with specific examples.

Reviewing the analytical strategies used in the study of cultural heritage assets, this book pays particular attention to analytical methodology and ensuring reliable results are obtained for those working in conservation practice.

Conservation Science is a rather innovative application of instrumental analysis with steadily increasing importance. Although the first attempts for preserving material from the cultural heritage on a scientific basis are found in the 19th century pioneer chemistry years, only the use of sophisticated physicochemical techniques results in effective identification and deterioration studies of monuments and objects, and in reliable intervention procedures. This volume allows to gain solid knowledge and improved skills on the ways separation schemes and diagnostic methodologies are applied in the safeguarding and authentication of tangible works of art; as well as on the modes of implementing novel safeguarding practices built on well-established principles – such as the use of laser in the decontamination of objects. All techniques are covered at a state-of-the-art level; while selected applications permit addressing major groups of materials and artefacts. Conservation Science is nowadays taught at master’s level in all developed countries, and museum laboratories increasingly adopt scientific approaches in their restoration initiatives. The book is intended as a valuable tool for students and professionals active in these frames. In addition, it provides an indispensable manual for participants in the specialized intensive courses, which are systematically offered by the authors under the auspices of the relevant European network.

This book provides the scientific and technical background materials of non-destructive methods of microscopic analysis that are suitable for analysing works of art, museum pieces and archeaological artefacts. Written by experts in the field, this multi-author volume contains a number of case studies, illustrating the value of these methods. The book is suited to natural scientists and analysts looking to increase their knowledge of the various methods that are currently available for non-destructive analysis. It is also the perfect resource for museum curators, archaeologists and art-historians seeking to identify one or more suitable methods of analysis that could solve material-related problems.

The scientific analysis of cultural heritage materials poses specific and often difficult analytical challenges. This book attempts to rationalize the links between the most commonly asked questions in archaeology, art history, and conservation with the potential answers resulting from the vast array of scientific techniques presently available.

Archaeological and archaeometric data in the study of the athlete of Croatia / M. Michelucci -- Ion beam techniques for analysis of cultural heritage objects : collaboration between the Ruder Bos̮ković Institute and the Croatian Conservation Institute / S. Fazinić [und weitere] -- Study by mobile non-destructive testing of the bronze statue of the "Satiro" of Marsala / G. Guida [und weitere] -- Archaeometric Measurements with PIXE in Slovenia / Z̮. S̮mit -- In situ chemical composition analysis of cultural heritage objects using portable x-ray fluorescence spectrometry / D. Wegrzynek [und weitere] -- Integrated geophysical techniques for the high-resolution study of archaeological sites / M. Pipan and E. Forte -- Thermoluminescence dating and cultural heritage / M. Martini and E. Sibilia -- New x-ray digital radiography and computed tomography for cultural heritage / F. Casali [und weitere] -- Cosmic rays for archaeology / G. Giannini -- Some examples of examination, characterisation, analysis & conservation techniques dedicated to archaeological artefacts / J.L. Boutaine -- Presentation of DEMGOL : online etymological dictionary of Greek mythology / E. Pellizer -- Building up an archaeological restoration & conservation department in Friuli-Venezia Giulia / F. Lo Schiavo -- Relative sea level changes by using archaeological markers : the INTERREG Italia-Slovenia Project "Alto Adriatico" / S. Furlani, F. Antonioli and R. Auriemma -- Digitization and multispectral analysis of artistic objects : exemplary cases and web documentation / G. Maino and S. Massari -- Actuopalaeontology : a polyfunctional tool for archaeology / G. Bressan [und weitere] -- Robotics tools for underwater archaeology / G. Conte [und weitere] -- Accelerators and radiation for art and archaeology / C. Tuniz -- The [symbol]C contribution to the protohistory of Friuli (North-Eastern Italy) / P. Càssola Guida -- Serpentinite shaft-holed axes in the Caput Adriae : preliminary results and perspectives based on x-ray computerized microtomography / F. Bernardini [und weitere] -- Mummies - a special report results of CAT scan analyses of Egyptian mummies in the Civico Museo di Storia ed Arte of Trieste / M.V. Torlo -- ANGLE software for semiconductor detector gamma-efficiency calculations and possibilities for its applications to cultural heritage objects characterization / S. Jovanovic and A. Dlabac -- Hominid fossils as universal and national cultural heritage : an essay on past and present attitudes towards the ownership of hominid fossils and the question of repatriation / P.V. Tobias

The legacy of physical artifacts as well as intangible attributes of a society that have been inherited from past generations is referred to as cultural heritage. Conservation science for cultural heritage refers to the study of conservation of art, technical art history and other cultural works using scientific inquiry. The research areas of this field include the technology and structure of artistic and historical works. It also studies the materials and techniques by which cultural, artistic and historic objects are made. It contributes to the fields of art conservation and architectural conservation by providing scientific methods and principles for the maintenance of cultural objects in museums and other collections. It identifies the materials that make up a piece of art including their chemical makeup. It is also concerned with the identification of changes that cause decline and develop methods to minimize the decline of cultural heritage. This book contains some path-breaking studies in the field of conservation science for cultural heritage. It consists of contributions made by international experts. This book will provide comprehensive knowledge to the readers.

Chemical Analysis provides non invasive and micro-analytical techniques for the investigation of cultural heritage materials. The tools and techniques, discussed by experts in the field, are of universal, sensitive and multi-component nature.