Diagnostic campaign and innovative conservation treatments carried out on the statue "La Speranza" by Odoardo Fantacchiotti

Marta Mascalchi, Iacopo Osticioli, Oana Adriana Cuzman, Sonia Mugnaini, Marco Giamello, Salvatore Siano
Abstract:
This work is focused on the conservation restoration workscarried out on the Speranza, monumental sculpture of the 19th century placed inside the English Cemetery in Florence. The statue was covered by scattered greenish and blackgrayish patinas mainly due to the biological growth. Optical microscopy, culture-based methods and CFPAM imaging (Pulse Amplitude Modulated fluorometry of the Chlorophyll Fluorescence) were used to characterize the biodeteriogens, while the study of the stone material and of the decay layers was performed trough microstratigraphic observations and X-ray diffraction analyses. Laser cleaning trials were carried out using different wavelengths (1064 nm and 532 nm) and pulse durations. The optimization of the laser parameters was performed taking into account the results obtained from the stratigraphic layers observations of the thin cross-sections of the stone material and real time CF-PAM imaging of the phototrophic presence.The study allowed improving, planning and accomplishing of the laser cleaning treatment of the whole statue.
Download:
IMEKO-TC4-ARCHAEO-2017-103.pdf
DOI:
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Event details
IMEKO TC:
TC4
Event name:
TC4 MetroArchaeo 2017
Title:

IMEKO TC4 International Conference on Metrology for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

Place:
Lecce, ITALY
Time:
23 October 2017 - 25 October 2017