A new scientific paper is out. The question is: How to approach long-term monitoring of chemical dynamics in oil paintings?
Monitoring the condition of artworks over time helps us understand how they deteriorate, identify active decay, and evaluate conservation methods. However, this process is challenging both logistically and technically. To tackle the technical challenges, a 6-month pilot study tested methods for tracking chemical changes in oil paintings, focusing on metal soap protrusions—bumps that form due to chemical reactions between pigments and oils.
Eight portable, non-invasive tools from IPERION HS’s MOLAB were used to detect changes in specially designed test samples. These samples were made to quickly form lead soap bumps, simulating changes that normally take years.
Some methods, like raking light imaging and colorimetry, weren’t detailed enough to detect small changes. X-radiography combined with automated detection worked well for tracking the spread of protrusions. Advanced 3D imaging methods, like optical coherence tomography and micro-profilometry, were effective if they could capture fine details (less than 20 μm on the surface and 2–3 μm in depth). Acoustic microscopy didn’t provide enough detail, while combining high-resolution imaging with spectral analysis gave better results for identifying lead soaps.
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