90407 - Cultural Heritage Chemistry and Diagnostics II

Learning outcomes

The student will acquire knowledges related to the composition, structure, properties and chemical transformation of materials used in art. Moreover the student will be introduced at the use of chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques employed for the charcaterisation of artistic samples.

Course contents

The course is structured in two main parts. The first part is introductory and focuses on the materials used in the creation of polychrome artworks (such as wall paintings and paintings on movable supports). The basic chemical properties of pigments, organic and inorganic binders, inert materials, and varnishes will be introduced, along with an overview of degradation processes. The main materials used in the conservation and restoration of polychrome artworks will also be presented.

The second part of the course will be dedicated to the presentation of the main diagnostic techniques employed in the study of polychrome artifacts. The basic principles of each technique will be described, along with the advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches, with particular attention to their specific applications and the type of information each diagnostic method can provide.

The following analytical techniques will be presented:

• Multispectral imaging

• X-ray fluorescence (XRF)

• Portable FTIR and Raman spectroscopy

• FTIR microscopy

• Raman microscopy

• Gas chromatography and liquid chromatography

Readings/Bibliography

La chimica nel restauro. I materiali dell'arte pittorica,

Mauro Matteini Arcangelo Moles

Nardini, 2007

Teaching methods

Lessons with the support of slides, videos and exercises.

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.

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.

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.

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