Application of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis to the study of works of art: paint media identification in polychrome multi-material sculptures.
A new gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric procedure for characterizing both drying oils and proteinaceous binders in samples of painted artworks has been developed. Furthermore, a new analytical procedure for analysis of polysaccharide materials through identification of the monosaccharide constituents is proposed. The methods have been applied to characterizing binding media of the different layers of the polychrome surface in the multi-material sculptures from the sanctuary of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Mantova, Italy. It was found that animal glue was the main binder in the priming layer of all statues, whereas more complex mixtures were used in the paint layers. Generally, a drying oil was present, most often linseed oil alone or in combination with other organic binders.
Casoli
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A
Dipartimento di Chimica Generale ed Inorganica, Chimica Analitica, Chimica Fisica dell'Università, Parco Area delle Scienze, 17A, 43100 Parma, Italy. antonella.casoli@unipr.it
Cremonesi
P
P
Palla
G
G
Vizzari
M
M
D000269:Adhesives / Q000737:chemistry; D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D008401:Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; D049669:History, 16th Century; D007558:Italy; D009821:Oils / Q000737:chemistry; D010150:Paint / Q000032:analysis*; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000737:chemistry; D012613:Sculpture / Q000266:history*
D000269:Adhesives; D005227:Fatty Acids; D009821:Oils; D011134:Polysaccharides