Analytical investigations on polychrome artworks from the wooden ceiling of ex-Ospedale San Matteo in Pavia

Giacomo Fiocco, Francesca Volpi, Tommaso Rovetta, Chaehoon Lee, Michela Albano, Chiara Delledonne, Maduka L. Weththimuni, Mario Colella, Anna Letizia Magrassi Matricardi, Curzio Merlo, Marco Malagodi, Maurizio Licchelli

Abstract

The ex-Ospedale San Matteo in Pavia, constructed in 1449, featured wooden ceilings adorned with unique angelic decorations. Restoration efforts began in the late 1980s, with some panels completed in 2001. Currently, ten restored panels are on display and the Museum of Archaeology of the University of Pavia is initiating a new conservation project to restore the entire wooden ceiling, starting in 2024. The main aim of this preliminary project was the characterization of the colour palette, as a support for the restoration procedures. Non-invasive analysis using XRF and R-FTIR spectroscopies revealed a consistent colour palette, including cinnabar, azurite, copper-based greens, white lead, calcite, iron-based reds, yellow ochre, and organic-based black.

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IMEKO-MetroArchaeo-2023-007.pdf

DOI

10.21014/tc4-ARC-2023.007

IMEKO TC

TC4 - Measurement of Electrical Quantities

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