Painted between 1557 and 1566 by Giorgio Vasari and Giovanni Stradano, the polychrome wooden ceiling of the Terrace of Saturn at Palazzo Vecchio in Florence (Italy) is one of the case studies of the Smart4CH2 project. During the... more
Painted between 1557 and 1566 by Giorgio Vasari and Giovanni Stradano, the polychrome wooden ceiling of the Terrace of Saturn at Palazzo Vecchio in Florence (Italy) is one of the case studies of the Smart4CH2 project. During the diagnostic campaign, data from scientific analysis and monitoring of environmental conditions were collected to identify the materials and techniques used and to assess the state of conservation of the ceiling. A multi- analytical characterisation, both in situ and in the laboratory, was performed on the Terrace ceiling. X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) was adopted as a preliminary on-site investigation, while on the samples collected, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy and Optical Microscopy (OM) were employed. Pigments, binders, painting techniques and restorations were identified. Materials under characterisation have revealed that their majority were applied during previous restoration works and they are affected by several decay processes. Results were combined with data collected by thermo-hygrometric data loggers located close to the ceiling and in the attic too. The analysis of the correlation between diagnostic results and environmental conditions will point out whether the decay processes are still ongoing.
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The present work comprises the application of a multi-analytical strategy based on the combination of several non-destructive and micro-invasive methodologies for the examination of the glazed tiles from the tomb of Benozzo Federighi made... more
The present work comprises the application of a multi-analytical strategy based on the combination of several non-destructive and micro-invasive methodologies for the examination of the glazed tiles from the tomb of Benozzo Federighi made by Luca della Robbia. The marble tomb is framed by flat glazed terracotta tiles, each ornamented with naturalistically depicted flowers. The tiles are assembled like an “opus sectile” and their background is gilded. The leaf is incorporated on the top of the glaze, differently by traditional gilding technique as in previous glazed works of della Robbia. The identification methodology integrates the results from spot analyses such as UV-vis reflectance spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence, with those obtained on tiny samples by X-ray diffraction, electron microscopic observations, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and firing temperature analysis. The adopted analytical protocol allowed us to clarify peculiarities of the arti...
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During the last restoration campaign of the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Florence (Italy), the assessment of the state of conservation of external surfaces was performed, with a multi-analytical approach, in order to support the... more
During the last restoration campaign of the Baptistery of San Giovanni in Florence (Italy), the assessment of the state of conservation of external surfaces was performed, with a multi-analytical approach, in order to support the conservation and restoration treatments. Black crusts, red staining, sulphation, and organic patinas were identified. Moreover, a complete characterization of marble cladding, bricks, and mortars was carried out. A geochemical and minero-petrographic approach was used in order to classify and assess the provenance of marbles, and define raw materials and technologies of the production for bricks and mortars. Provenances from Italy (Carrara and Lasa marbles) and from Greece (Hymettus and Pentelicum marbles) were identified and attributed to different construction phases, restoration interventions, and re-use of ancient materials. For mortars, the obtained data suggested the use of local materials and traditional technologies for the production. Overall, two ...
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In this paper, the advances in the use of optical and electronic microscope for study of the minero-petrographic and microchemical features of lime binders of ancient mortars are discussed for various case studies. Mortars belonging to... more
In this paper, the advances in the use of optical and electronic microscope for study of the minero-petrographic and microchemical features of lime binders of ancient mortars are discussed for various case studies. Mortars belonging to several historic periods and with different functions in building structures and archaeological sites were selected in order to verify the complementarity of optical and electronic microscope analyses applied to these artificial materials. The data obtained with the application of optical and microscope analyses were able to provide detailed and more precise information on the composition, structure, and texture of lime binders, highlighting the features of air hardening calcitic lime binder, air hardening magnesian lime binder, natural hydraulic lime binder, and air hardening binders with materials providing hydraulic characteristics added. Furthermore, a complete analysis and classification of the lime lumps was determined.
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The Argentario peninsula, sited in Southern Tuscany, already attended by Etruscans and inhabited by the Romans, during the XIIth century became property of the Aldobrandeschi family whose domains were extended to the whole Southern... more
The Argentario peninsula, sited in Southern Tuscany, already attended by Etruscans and inhabited by the Romans, during the XIIth century became property of the Aldobrandeschi family whose domains were extended to the whole Southern Tuscany. In 1414 Argentario and the neighboring territories passed under the rule of the Republic of Siena which built a first system of fortifications against the barbarians. In 1557 all the Senese territories passed to Cosimo I de� Medici allied with the Spanish crown which reserved for himself a small coastal strip comprising Orbetello, Talamone, Argentario, Capalbio and part of the Elba island, forming the State of Presidi. The military connotation of the territory was improved, building new coastal towers and numerous fortresses. In this contribution, the study of the building materials (ashlars and bedding mortars) of two selected towers (Capodomo and Calamoresca), is presented trying to find the relationship with the local supply in stones for lime...
Research Interests: Geography, Archaeology, Geology, Conservation, Mortars, and 4 moreGeomaterials, fortmed, peninsula, and Lime mortar
This paper reports the results of a project aimed at documenting contemporary outdoor sculptures in the city of Florence (Italy). A total of 80 public outdoor sculptures dating from 1910 to 2010 and including works by Folon, Botero,... more
This paper reports the results of a project aimed at documenting contemporary outdoor sculptures in the city of Florence (Italy). A total of 80 public outdoor sculptures dating from 1910 to 2010 and including works by Folon, Botero, Moore, and Pepe, located over an area of 102 Km2 were catalogued in the various districts of the town. A comprehensive file was created for each sculpture with information on the location, artist, materials, historical and technical notes, state of conservation. Interviews with living artists (Onofrio Pepe, Piero Gensini, Roberto Coccoloni, Silvano Porcinai, Antonio di Tommaso, Roberto Barni, Giuliano Vangi, Marcello Guasti) were also carried out in order to glean information on the materials and techniques used, to better understand the “meanings” of their artworks and to obtain recommendations regarding the conservation procedures. The importance of information collected from artists together with the indications relating to the conservation of contemp...
Research Interests: Art and Architecture
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The coastal sight towers and the defensive fortresses were in the past distinctive elements of the coastal landscape. They were distributed in particular along the northern coast of the Mediterranean and were built for sighting purposes... more
The coastal sight towers and the defensive fortresses were in the past distinctive elements of the coastal landscape. They were distributed in particular along the northern coast of the Mediterranean and were built for sighting purposes from the XVIth century against the raids of barbarian pirates who had their bases in the Maghreb coast.A mineralogical and petrographic characterization of the stone materials and mortars of two coastal towers (i.e. Capodomo and Calamoresca) in ruins of Monte Argentario is shown in the present paper. It was found that local lithotypes (e.g. Calcare Cavernoso, calcitic grey marble, dark grey dolostones) were used as building stones and for production of mortars. A detailed study on mortars was conducted by means of high quality polycrystalline X-ray diffraction, optical and electron microscopy. The analysis reveals the presence of Ca and Mg lime-based mortars in the ruins of Capodomo tower, whereas only Ca lime-based mortars were identified in Calamoresca tower.Reaching the towers walking along the paths allows us to know a good part of the lithologies present in the promontory due to the emerging sites in the local morphology; emersion was produced, both because particular lithologies are resistant to the erosion and also because of particular structural or tectonic elements.
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Research Interests: Engineering, Civil Engineering, Conservation, History of Technology, Heritage Conservation, and 13 moreBuilding Materials (Archaeology), China, China studies, Building Materials and their Application, Building, Building Materials, Bricks, Shanghai Urban Studies, Building and Construction Materials, Brick, History and Urban Culture of Shanghai, Durability of Building Materials, and Elsevier
Research Interests: Archaeology, Geology, Anthropology, Late roman villas, Aggregate, and 12 moreOratorio, Binder, Roman Age, Archeology, Archaeology of Natural Places, Archaeometric analysis, Arno River, Vettius Agorius Praetextatus, Italy in Late Roman Period, Late Roman Tuscany, Late roman Arno valley, and Villa dei Vetti
Abstract The paper presents the results of a multianalytical study carried out through laboratory investigations on building materials of “Punta Troia Castle” in Marettimo Island (Sicily). The main aims of the work were to characterize... more
Abstract The paper presents the results of a multianalytical study carried out through laboratory investigations on building materials of “Punta Troia Castle” in Marettimo Island (Sicily). The main aims of the work were to characterize the petrographic nature and to determine the geological provenance of the stone materials used to build the castle as well as to define the causes and mechanisms at the origin of their decay, in order to support and ensure greater durability to the restoration interventions. Based on the collected data, the local dolomitic limestone may be stated as the main stone for reconstruction purposes. In fact, this building stone shows low porosity, high compactness and a very good durability with respect to any other lithotypes identified in the building structure of the castle.
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ABSTRACT
Research Interests: Geology, Technology, Valencia, Gypsum, Mortars, and 4 moreMortar, Lime, Composición Arquitectónica, and Lime mortar
Research Interests: Geology, Geochemistry, Mineralogy, Clay Minerals, Weathering, and 3 moreKaolinite, Illite, and Chlorite
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Research Interests: Archaeology, Condensed Matter Physics, Art, Painting, Raman Spectroscopy, and 6 moreFTIR, Bronze Age, Fresco, Raman, Calcite, and Polychrome
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The PietraAlberese is a marly limestone belonging to the Ligurian series (Monte Morello Formation of Eocene age). It is a material rarely mentioned in the historical Florentine architecture because the Pietraforte, the stone of the... more
The PietraAlberese is a marly limestone belonging to the Ligurian series (Monte Morello Formation of Eocene age). It is a material rarely mentioned in the historical Florentine architecture because the Pietraforte, the stone of the Medieval Florence and the Pietra Serena, the stone of the Renaissance, were the main lithotypes commonly used in those periods. Nevertheless, the Pietra Alberese has been widely utilized to build the town, because it is the only limestone cropping out in this part of Tuscany allowing the production of lime. In Prato and Pistoia, the Pietra Alberese was also used as stone (e.g., ashlars) in the structures and façades of many public and religious buildings. In this work, the geological setting and a mineralogical, petrographic and physical characterization of Pietra Alberese used as building stone are proposed together with a discussion about its durability. Moreover, the different compositional and macroscopic characteristics of two lithotypes (namely the ...
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The study of structural masonry joined to geohydrological hazards in cultural heritage represents a multidisciplinary theme, which requires consideration of several aspects, among them the characterization of the materials used. In this... more
The study of structural masonry joined to geohydrological hazards in cultural heritage represents a multidisciplinary theme, which requires consideration of several aspects, among them the characterization of the materials used. In this paper, a first complete chemical, minero-petrographic, and physico-mechanical characterization of core samples taken from the masonry of two Florence riverbanks (Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli and Lungarno delle Grazie) is performed in order to identify the raw materials, technologies, and state of conservation and to support the planning of maintenance and restoration interventions. The physico-mechanical characterization of the riverbanks allows their stability to be determined. Such investigations allow identification of the level of compactness and cohesion of masonry; this information is useful for planning emergency interventions and for supporting planned restoration activities. The results provide valid support for the design of riverbank safety p...
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Red stains are a common discolouration on stone cultural heritage all over the world.
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The archaeological site of Hierapolis (Denizli province, Turkey) is unique in terms of the conservation of marbles and travertines. Environmental factors (i.e. interaction with thermal waters, high thermal stress, CO degassing) and... more
The archaeological site of Hierapolis (Denizli province, Turkey) is unique in terms of the conservation of marbles and travertines. Environmental factors (i.e. interaction with thermal waters, high thermal stress, CO degassing) and geological aspects (presence of seismic faults, frequent earthquakes, formation of travertine) play a fundamental role in the durability and conservation state of the stone materials. This paper presents a multi-analytical approach aimed to identify the phenomena and causes of stone decay related to environmental conditions. The analyses of alteration and decay phenomena are discussed together with the monitoring of the main environmental parameters and with analyses of waters and gases present in the archaeological site. Finally, the need of a continuous monitoring of the environmental parameters affecting the archaeological site is stressed.
Research Interests: Archaeology, Environmental Science, Geology, Geochemistry, Cultural Heritage, and 15 moreConservation, Environmental Studies, Heritage Conservation, Environmental Impact Assessment, Environmental Monitoring, Medicine, Multidisciplinary, Hierapolis, Decay, Stone Decay, Ancient Roman Marbles, Gases, Environmental Parameters, Archeology, and Fluid Geochemistry
The tomb of Seti I (KV17) is a magnificent example of New Kingdom funerary architecture, among the longest tombs in the Valley of the Kings. As part of a collaboration between the Egyptian Museum in Florence, the University of Florence... more
The tomb of Seti I (KV17) is a magnificent example of New Kingdom funerary architecture, among the longest tombs in the Valley of the Kings. As part of a collaboration between the Egyptian Museum in Florence, the University of Florence and CNR, a survey project was launched, with non-invasive methods, on the fragments from the Seti I tomb, in Florence, coming from a gate jamb connecting the chamber F to the corridor G, taken by the franco-tuscan expedition in 1829. The primary goal is to achieve the best level of documentation, knowledge of the material history and conservation assessment. Preliminary results allowed to focus some steps of the history of this fragment, from its realization to the present. The digital documentation created an excellent support for the mapping and management of the collected information. Even if still on a preliminary phase, this study shows how the combination of imaging and spectroscopic techniques allowed the characterization of many materials and ...
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Abstract Insula 104 is a residential area dating to the proto-Byzantine period (second century AD), inside the wide archaeological site of Hierapolis of Phrygia (Turkey). Today, the domus , which probably belonged to one of the... more
Abstract Insula 104 is a residential area dating to the proto-Byzantine period (second century AD), inside the wide archaeological site of Hierapolis of Phrygia (Turkey). Today, the domus , which probably belonged to one of the aristocratic families of the city, has been damaged due to salt crystallization on the wall paintings of some of the rooms. In order to select the best type of conservation interventions, various diagnostic techniques were used to determine the nature and the origin of the soluble salts. In particular, the wall paintings from room A 1207 in the House of the Doric Courtyard and room A 1267 in the House of the Painted Inscription were investigated by non-invasive techniques, followed by sampling for laboratory analyses. Rising damp combined with the presence of salts is a critical issue for the aforementioned wall paintings. On site screening by portable techniques (IR thermography, Quantofix test strips) was performed to address the microsampling for the analyses. The data on both the chemical and mineralogical composition of the efflorescences revealed the presence of sulphates (mainly thenardite, aphthitalite and syngenite), sodium and potassium nitrates, and chlorides (halite and sylvite). The original and restoration mortars were also analysed to examine their impact on the conservation state of the wall paintings. The distribution of the salts and their typologies inside each room was correlated to the different uses of the rooms over the centuries and to previous restoration works.
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A multi-analytical approach was used to study the constituent materials, manufacturing technique, and state of conservation of a contemporary sculpture. This sculpture, entitled Nuredduna, was created by Aligi Sassu in 1995 and is located... more
A multi-analytical approach was used to study the constituent materials, manufacturing technique, and state of conservation of a contemporary sculpture. This sculpture, entitled Nuredduna, was created by Aligi Sassu in 1995 and is located in the “Bellariva garden” in Florence (Italy). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), optical and electronic microscopy (OM and SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) highlighted the multi-layered structure of the statue: fiberglass and an overlay of different layers (gel coat) applied with an unsaturated polyester resin added with aggregate materials and bromine compounds. A top-coat in acrylic black varnish, used as a finish, was also found. The combination of these materials with their different compositions, environmental impact, and even vandalism have negatively affected the state of conservation of Nuredduna, causing the loss of strata in its lower parts (legs and feet).
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Presents the data obtained from a study of the alterations and chemical composition of some of the vitreous tesserae in the mosaic depicting the Annunciation in the lunette above the Porta della Mandorla in the cathedral of Santa Maria... more
Presents the data obtained from a study of the alterations and chemical composition of some of the vitreous tesserae in the mosaic depicting the Annunciation in the lunette above the Porta della Mandorla in the cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore in Florence (Italy). Made by the brothers Domenico and David Ghirlandaio, it is one of the finest examples of wall mosaics ever made; the central portion of the mosaic bears the date of 1490. The mosaic's tesserae, primarily of a glassy nature, presents a good state of conservation, except for the development of powdery, whitish materials of different consistencies on some of the black and green tesserae. These tesserae are irregularly distributed throughout the mosaic. These superficial phenomena are the result of the formation of different sulfates: potassium calcium sulfate (syngenite) was found on black tesserae, while anglesite (PbSO4) was found on tiles ranging from green to black. The black tesserae with syngenite are characterized by significant amounts of potassium, and all the tesserae with surface deposits of anglesite have high lead contents. The different nature of the patinas, as related to the chemical composition of the underlying tesserae, made it possible to select the appropriate restoration procedures. Manual removal of the powder with a brush proved sufficient for the tesserae with surface syngenite, whereas tests with micro-sandblasting technique were needed to remove all the anglesite. With a manual removal of the syngenite-based patina, the chromatic differences between altered and unaltered tesserae diminished but it was not sufficient to restore the original color and shine; in fact the cleaned tesserae have a grayish cast. Micro-sandblasting, on the other hand, totally removed the lead sulfate, restored the original colors and did not cause any micro-cracking in the tesserae. A three-year permanent monitoring station will make it possible to assess any further degradation. Different colored glassy tesserae (black, yellow, green, violet) have been analysed, and these analyses provided useful information concerning the techniques the artists used to make the mosaic. Gilded and burnished gilded tesserae were found near the classic glass and glass paste tiles.