Virtual 3D registration of anatomic wax sculptures

This study presents the symbiosis between science and art through the analysis of anatomy and the wax-modelling technique. For this purpose, an eighteenth-century anatomical wax model showing the gestation process was selected. This model belongs to the collection of the Javier Puerta Museum of Anatomy (Complutense University of Madrid, Spain). The work has attempted to analyze, interpret and disseminate the process of producing the anatomical wax model using the latest 3D registration technologies. The methodology was established in two phases: a first phase of data collection using a GO! SCAN50 laser scanner from CREAFORM and VXelements software, and a second phase of post-processing of the collected data. The result was a very high resolution 3D virtual model that allowed the analysis and interpretation without the need to manipulate the original. The animated 3D model is viewable at 360º via interactive virtual platforms and under multiple angles and textures. This has made it possible to locate signs and proofs about the process of making the anatomical model, confirming the hypothesis that it seems to have been carried out by the artists during the elaboration of the piece. In short, 3D recording has proved to be a non-destructive and very graphical analysis method, allowing data collection, real-time monitoring and visualization without any manipulations

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Thermosetting composites based on bronze particles for archaeological and artistic metal heritage cloning.

Artificial Metals are polymeric semi-metallic composites obtained by combining thermosetting resins with atomized metal powders in order to achieve composite materials capable of reproducing metals, even in a rusty or corroded condition. These composites provide a solution for the reproduction of archaeological artefacts, sculptures, and ornaments for the purpose of conservation. This work explores mechanical properties of three different resins bronze composites loaded with two different proportions of metal filler. The degree of conversion of the samples was measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and flexural tests were carried out to determine their mechanical performance. In addition, the samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in order to determine the morphology of the samples at the microscale.

Study of behaviour on simulated daylight ageing of artists' acrylic and poly(vinyl acetate) paint films.

This work proposes a multi-method approach that combines advanced microscopy (SEM/EDX, AFM) and spectroscopy (UV-vis and FTIR) techniques. This approach not only characterises the behaviour of the additives of two commercial poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) and acrylic emulsion paints but also simultaneously characterises the changes in chemical composition and morphology observed in the paint films as a result of ageing due to the paints being exposed to an intense source of simulated daylight. In parallel, a series of mechanical tests were performed that correlate the chemical changes in composition and the changes observed in the films' mechanical properties. This work was a comparative study between both types of acrylic and PVAc paints. The results obtained are of great interest for the modern paint conservation field as they provide valuable information on the mid- and long-term behaviours of these synthetic paints.

Study of ageing of ketone resins used as picture varnishes by FTIR spectroscopy, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy X-ray microanalysis.

This paper presents a study of thin films of the commercial ketone resins Laropal K80, Keton N and MS2A, attempting to reproduce the pictorial layers and protective finishes commonly present in contemporary paintings. Chemical and morphological changes due to the degradation effect of environmental agents have been specially considered. For this purpose, three different accelerated ageing processes were applied to a series of specimens prepared from the studied commercial products: thermal, UV light and ageing in an SO(2)-polluted chamber. Spectroscopic techniques such as FTIR spectroscopy and UV-Vis spectrophotometry were applied in combination with microscopic examination techniques, namely, AFM and scanning electron microscopy energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (SEM-EDX). Chemical changes due to UV light and thermal ageing are in good agreement with those previously reported in the literature. Bleaching exhibited by the three commercial products after exposure to a SO(2)-saturated atmosphere has been related to the diffusion of SO(2)-rich water vapour into the film. This effect was particularly strong in the MS2A resin due to the higher content of hydroxyl groups in this product.

Identification of lead pigments in nanosamples from ancient paintings and polychromed sculptures using voltammetry of nanoparticles/atomic force microscopy.

Voltammetry of nanoparticles coupled with atomic force microscopy was used to identify lead pigments in nanosamples proceeding from works of art. Upon mechanical attachment of few nanograms of sample to a graphite plate, well-defined voltammetric responses were obtained for lead orange, lead yellow, lead white, litharge, minium, Naples yellow, and tin-lead yellow, allowing for an unambiguous identification of such pigments. Atomic force images provide evidence for the occurrence of pigment-characteristic reduction processes accompanied by metal deposition on the graphite substrate. Electrochemical parameters are used for pigment identification. Application to the method for identifying lead pigments in different model binder+pigment specimens and pictorial samples from the canvas painting collection (anonymous, 17th century) of the Saint Joseph Church in Taormina (Italy), the frescoes painted by Antonio Acisclo Palomino y Velasco (1698) in the vault of the Sant Joan del Mercat church in València (Spain) and an anonymous polychromed sculpture (16th century) representing a Martyr Saint from Alacant (Spain) is described.