37485 - Chemical Methods of Examining Cultural Property

Learning outcomes

At the end of the course the student will acquire knowledge concerning the non destructive and microdestructive methods for the analyses of cultural heritage materials. The student will be able to: - be acquainted with the non destructive and micro destructive methods used for the characterization of pigments, binding media and degradation products on different cultural heritage supports; - be acquainted with the most advanced sample preparation techniques used for the preparation of cross sections; be able to define a suitable analytical protocol for the investigation of artistic materials.

Course contents

The course will be dedicated to the presentation of advanced diagnostic techniques used in the study of polychrome artifacts. The principles of each technique will be explained, along with the advantages and limitations of the different approaches.

Particular emphasis will be devoted to present examples of application and data interpretation strategies. Below the list of techniques that will be covered:

• Advanced non-destructive techniques

• Methods for preparing cross-sections

• FTIR microscopy: principles and advanced setups

• Raman microscopy: principles and advanced setups

• Immunological techniques: principles and advanced setups

  
  

Readings/Bibliography

Lectures' slides

Reference tests (not compulsory!):

Scientific examination for the investigation of paintings. A handbook for conservator-restorers. D. Pinna. M. Galeotti, R. Mazzeo (Ed). 2009, Centro Di, Firenze

Mills , R. White R. Organic material in museum objects , 2d ed.Oxford , Butterworth Heinemann , 1999

M.Matteini, R. Mazzeo, A.Moles. Chemistry for restoration, Nardini editore, Firenze 2016.

S. Prati, E. Joseph, G. Sciutto, R. Mazzeo ; New advances in the application of FTIR microscopy and spectroscopy for the characterization of artistic materials. Accounts of Chemical Research 792-801, June 2010, Vol. 43, n.6.

S. Prati, G. Sciutto, E. Catelli, A. Ashashina, R. Mazzeo,; Development of innovative embedding procedures for the analyses of paint cross sections in ATR FITR microscopy, Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 2013, 405, 895-905.

S. Prati, F. Rosi, G. Sciutto, P. Oliveri, E. Catelli, C. Miliani, R. Mazzeo, Evaluation of the effect of different paint cross section preparation methods on the performances of Fourier Transformed Infrared Microscopy in Total Reflection mode, Microchemical Journal, 2013, 110, 314-319

Teaching methods

The course is included in the programme for the didactic innovation of the University of Bologna.

The course will consist of classroom lectures with PowerPoint presentations and videos.

Activities in the chemical laboratory are planned. To attend the practical part students are required to attend Module 1 and 2 in e- learning mode  [https://www.unibo.it/it/servizi-e-opportunita/salute-e-assistenza/salute-e-sicurezza/sicurezza-e-salute-nei-luoghi-di-studio-e-tirocinio] and  a Module 3 about health and safety in study places. Information about the dates and modes to attend module 3 will be published on the Degree Course website.   

To encourage active student participation and meaningful learning, activities such as critical reading of scientific articles and group work in class will be proposed, guided by the instructor using the peer instruction method

Assessment methods

The final exam consists of an oral interview on the topics covered during the course. It aims to assess the acquired knowledge, critical and methodological skills, specific terminology, and an overall understanding of the subjects discussed.

The ability to present concepts with fluency, excellent command of language, strong integration of acquired knowledge, and critical thinking will be rewarded with top grades (30 cum laude – 29).

Thorough knowledge of the concepts and good language skills, even if some support from the instructor is needed to make connections between topics, will result in high to mid-range grades (28–26).

Primarily rote memorization, limited analytical and summarizing skills, and/or language that is not always appropriate will lead to grades ranging from satisfactory to sufficient (25–20).

Significant gaps in knowledge and inadequate language use will result in a barely passing grade (18) if a minimal factual foundation is demonstrated, or a failing grade in the case of more serious deficiencies.

To assess the student’s ability to make connections and demonstrate critical thinking, they will be asked to comment on the experiences carried out during the laboratory sessions.

A solid knowledge of the chemical structures of the main substances of historical and artistic interest is also required (e.g., proteins, lipids, terpenes, polysaccharides, main white, red, green, blue, yellow, and black pigments).

Teaching tools

PC, projector

Students with learning disorders and\or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

Office hours

See the website of Silvia Prati