Multi-technique archaeometric investigation of a XVII century illuminated parchment belonging to the S. Maria di Montalto Church (Messina, Italy)

Giuseppe Paladini, Francesco Caridi, Domenico Majolino, Lorenzo Pistorino, Alessandra De Caro, Gloria Bonanno, Arcangela Valenti, Enza Anna Passerini, Giuseppe Sampino, Valentina Venuti

Abstract

This work reports some preliminary results of a non-invasive multi-technique approach involving X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy in Attenuated Total Reflectance Geometry (FTIR-ATR), for the characterization of a XVII century illuminated parchment belonging to the S. Maria di Montalto Church (Messina, Italy). In particular, starting from the assessment of the elemental and molecular composition of both blank and decorated areas, the nature of the raw materials and pigmenting agents used for the realization/decoration of the artefact was retrieved, allowing the possibility to discriminate between original and modern constituents, as well as to identify any possible degradation pattern. It is worth of note that obtained results provided a solid groundwork for the development of targeted and minimally invasive conservation strategies, aimed at ensuring the longterm safeguarding of this significant historical artifact.

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IMEKO-Metroarchaeo-2025-049.pdf

DOI

10.21014/tc26-2025.049

IMEKO TC

TC26 - Metrology for Cultural Heritage

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