19144 - Physics applied to Cultural Heritage

Learning outcomes

The course is aimed at the depction of the main non-destructive techniques employed in the field of artefacts conservation and restoration, with particular reference to the in situ applications. At the end of the course, the student is able to evaluate the opportunity and the appropriateness of each technique in the initial phase propaedeutic to the plan of the conservation intervention; the student is also able to interpret the diagnostic results of the in situ and laboratoy analyses

Course contents

The scientific methods applied to the study of cultural heritage are shown through the analyses of case studies on different artefacts and materials and through laboratory activity.  The objective of the course is the knowledge of the different techniques appliable to the conservation of  historical-artistic objects for the analyses of the consituent materials and of the production techniques and as a basic tool for the conservative interventions. At the end of the course the student is able to plan a diagnostic investigation by individuating the aims, the methods, the techniques and by evaluating the ratio cost/benefit of the analyses.

Diagnostic techniques:
optical techniques
radiographic techniques
termographic techniques
sonic techniques

Chemical, Physical, Mineralogical Analyses.
microscopy techniques
spectroscopic techniques
nuclear techniques
thermal analyses

Microclimate analyses and control for the conservation of artefacts 

Case studies on different types of artefacts

Laboratory activity for the experimetal analysis of artefacts will take place during the course.

Readings/Bibliography

1. E.Ciliberto, G. Spoto (editors), Modern Analytical Methods in Art and Archaeology, New York, Wiley Intescience, 2000;

2. A. Castellano, M. Martini, E. Sibilia (a cura di), Elementi di archeometria. Metodi fisici per i beni culturali, Milano, Egea, 2002;

3. S. Volpin, L. Apollonia, Le analisi di laboratorio applicate ai beni artistici policromi, Padova, Il Prato, 1999.

4. A. Aldrovandi, M. Picollo, Metodi di documentazione e indagini non invasive sui dipinti, Padova, Il Prato, 2001.

Further references will be given during the course

 

Teaching methods

The course will take place also in laboratory

The laboratory experiences will be conducted with the direct involvement of the students, performing the measurements and interpreting the results.

Laboratory experiences:

- Sampling and sample treatment

- Traditional and advanced photographic techniques

- Optical microscopy

- Mineralogical optical microscopy

- Colorimetry and visible spectrophotometry

- X-ray Fluorescence spectroscopy

- FTIR Spectroscopy

- X-ray diffractometry

- Thermal analyses

Assessment methods

During the oral exam the student will be asked to discuss the plan of a case study, with a precise discussion on the objectives, the methods, the sampling techniques and on the ratio cost/benefit of the analyses.

Teaching tools

Laboratory, PC

Office hours

See the website of Mariangela Vandini