Modern technology in artwork conservation: a laser-based approach for process control and evaluation

The present work includes a laser-based methodology for the cleaning of artworks, with emphasis on the preservation of their structural integrity and identity. Modern laser-based techniques and instrumentation offer new tools in the field of artwork and antiquities conservation, aiming to alleviate the traditionally applied methods from existing weaknesses. Although in several cases the use of lasers may give rise to superior results, there are still problems to be resolved in relation to the optimization of procedures for safeguarding from potential damage. Furthermore, several operational parameters have to be simultaneously controlled and the long-term effects induced by laser irradiation must be assessed in detail before a full exploitation of the new methods is established. The control of material removal during laser cleaning is achieved by using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). This control relies on the collection of spectroscopic data by LIBS, which correspond to the in-depth compositional profile of the artifact. This technique may be combined with structural analysis by holographic interferometry. The latter is important for assessing structural changes, which may be induced during laser ablation. Selected examples of this type of applications in a carefully considered methodology are presented.     

Characterisation of beeswax in works of art by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry procedures

Pyrolysis (Py) with in situ derivatisation with hexamethyldisilazane-gas chroma-break tography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry procedure based on microwave-assisted saponification were used to identify the organic components in small sized beeswax samples. With the latter procedure quantitative recoveries can be made and hydrocarbons, alcohols and omega-1-diols in the neutral fraction, and fatty acids and omega-1-hydroxy acids in the acidic fraction can be efficiently separated and detected. Both procedures were used to characterise a wax anatomic sculpture "The Plague" (1691-1694) by Gaetano Zumbo, resulting in the identification of beeswax and a Pinaceae resin. The GC-MS analysis brought to light some essential differences in beeswax composition between the raw material and the old modelled wax thus giving some clear indications about the recipe used by the sculptor.     

Taming Mars with a tent and a tunnel: creation of a biosphere-city

An unconventional site-specific outdoor utility sculpture, used as a Strait of Gibraltar stopper, may soon store unwanted Earth-atmosphere derived wastes (mineralized CO2 and CFCs) for hundreds of years. Such a Land Art processing facility, an anti-global warming/cooling antidote, is an appropriate macro-engineering response to allegedly impending human survival macro-problems.     

Characterisation and identification of proteinaceous binding media (animal glues) from their amino acid profile by capillary zone electrophoresis

A capillary electrophoretic method for identifying different species of proteinaceous binders--collagen, egg white, and milk casein--is described. It allows characterisation of the proteins on the basis of the amino acid profiles obtained after their acidic hydrolysis. The profiles of the underivatised amino acids are recorded directly by capillary zone electrophoresis at pH 2.26 with the aid of a conductivity detector, thus eliminating the need for a derivatisation step. Identification is carried out by means of different relative peak areas of the amino acids. A scheme is given for identification, which is based on the main markers, hydroxyproline, proline, glycine, glutamic acid, and serine and valine.