Periodic Reporting for period 1 - ARIAH (Chemical speciation of A Revolution In Art History)
Reporting period: 2022-11-01 to 2024-10-31
The ARIAH (Chemical Speciation of A Revolution In Art History) project seeks to unravel the intricate molecular and nanoscale composition of Renaissance mixed-media paints, which combined egg- and oil-based binders. This material innovation marked a transformative period in art history, enabling masterpieces by figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Sandro Botticelli. However, the chemical and structural properties of these paints remain insufficiently understood, limiting our ability to fully explore the interaction between material advances and artistic techniques.
ARIAH integrates advanced analytical methods, including x-ray Raman scattering (XRS), scanning transmission x-ray microscopy (STXM), deep-UV photoluminescence microscopy, and atomic force microscopy infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR), alongside mass spectrometry.ry. These state-of-the-art techniques establish new standards for the study of heritage materials, offering unprecedented insights into the chemistry and nanostructure of mixed media paints. The findings drive innovation in the preservation of cultural heritage while deepening our understanding of the technological and artistic processes that shaped Renaissance masterpieces.
This interdisciplinary project bridges physical chemistry and art history to contextualize scientific findings within broader cultural and historical narratives. By illuminating the relationship between material properties, artistic practices, and social influences, ARIAH enriches the appreciation of Renaissance art and provides a holistic framework for studying cultural heritage. The results promise lasting impacts on the preservation, interpretation and celebration of one of the most pivotal artistic epochs of history.
ARIAH integrates advanced analytical methods, including x-ray Raman scattering (XRS), scanning transmission x-ray microscopy (STXM), deep-UV photoluminescence microscopy, and atomic force microscopy infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR), alongside mass spectrometry.ry. These state-of-the-art techniques establish new standards for the study of heritage materials, offering unprecedented insights into the chemistry and nanostructure of mixed media paints. The findings drive innovation in the preservation of cultural heritage while deepening our understanding of the technological and artistic processes that shaped Renaissance masterpieces.
This interdisciplinary project bridges physical chemistry and art history to contextualize scientific findings within broader cultural and historical narratives. By illuminating the relationship between material properties, artistic practices, and social influences, ARIAH enriches the appreciation of Renaissance art and provides a holistic framework for studying cultural heritage. The results promise lasting impacts on the preservation, interpretation and celebration of one of the most pivotal artistic epochs of history.
Cutting-edge spectroscopic and imaging techniques have revealed the molecular interactions and material behaviors that characterized these complex systems. These findings substantially advance our knowledge of Renaissance art materials and their preservation.
High-resolution X-ray Raman scattering (XRS) proved instrumental in uncovering the chemical composition of mixed-media paints, distinguishing between tempera grassa and protein-coated oil paints. The model paints, formulated using historically accurate methods, provided detailed carbon speciation data collected at large-scale facilities throughout the world (ESRF, France and SSRL, United States). Highlights include identifying functional group transitions, minimizing radiation damage, and establishing XRS as a foundational tool for historical paint studies. The cryogenic setups further enhanced the analytical accuracy, ensuring reliable results.
Complementary techniques, such as scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) and advanced photoluminescence methods, offered nanoscale insights into paint layer heterogeneity. STXM analyses at the SOLEIL synchrotron facility revealed chemical heterogeneity in tempera paints, uncovering oxidative processes and binder interactions. A Python-based pipeline was developed to process and classify spectral data, enhancing analytical robustness. Additionally, deep-UV photoluminescence and multispectral luminescence microscopy mapped protein and oil components, identifying their spatial distribution and providing insight into the preparation methods of paint layers. Atomic Force Microscopy-based infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) further enriched the understanding of paint microstructure, revealing nanoscale features such as preferential functional group orientation in relation to the pigments and the subsequent formation of lead carboxylates.
Together, these advanced methodologies provided a comprehensive framework for studying the chemical and structural organization of Renaissance paints, paving the way for future research on the preservation of cultural heritage.
High-resolution X-ray Raman scattering (XRS) proved instrumental in uncovering the chemical composition of mixed-media paints, distinguishing between tempera grassa and protein-coated oil paints. The model paints, formulated using historically accurate methods, provided detailed carbon speciation data collected at large-scale facilities throughout the world (ESRF, France and SSRL, United States). Highlights include identifying functional group transitions, minimizing radiation damage, and establishing XRS as a foundational tool for historical paint studies. The cryogenic setups further enhanced the analytical accuracy, ensuring reliable results.
Complementary techniques, such as scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) and advanced photoluminescence methods, offered nanoscale insights into paint layer heterogeneity. STXM analyses at the SOLEIL synchrotron facility revealed chemical heterogeneity in tempera paints, uncovering oxidative processes and binder interactions. A Python-based pipeline was developed to process and classify spectral data, enhancing analytical robustness. Additionally, deep-UV photoluminescence and multispectral luminescence microscopy mapped protein and oil components, identifying their spatial distribution and providing insight into the preparation methods of paint layers. Atomic Force Microscopy-based infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) further enriched the understanding of paint microstructure, revealing nanoscale features such as preferential functional group orientation in relation to the pigments and the subsequent formation of lead carboxylates.
Together, these advanced methodologies provided a comprehensive framework for studying the chemical and structural organization of Renaissance paints, paving the way for future research on the preservation of cultural heritage.
The ARIAH project has made transformative contributions to the study of Renaissance mixed-media paints by uncovering their nanoscale chemical composition and structural organization. Utilizing advanced techniques such as XRS, STXM, deep-UV photoluminescence, and AFM-IR, the project has advanced the scientific understanding of historical materials while establishing new methodologies for their analysis and preservation. These findings address critical gaps in knowledge about the transition from tempera to oil painting, revealing the interplay of binders, pigments, and preparation techniques that shaped iconic artworks.
Key outcomes include the development of advanced analytical protocols for investigating mixed-media paints. XRS provided detailed molecular insights, STXM revealed nanoscale chemical heterogeneities within paint layers in Renaissance paintings, and deep-UV photoluminescence mapped protein and oil components with submicrometer precision. AFM-IR uncovered the nanoscale interactions and heterogeneity in organic binders within model paint layers. These innovations not only improve our understanding of complex heritage materials chemistry, but also create a framework for interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together art historians, conservators, and scientists to explore the relationship between materials, techniques, and stylistic advancements.
By enhancing understanding of the material innovations behind masterpieces by artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli, ARIAH fosters greater appreciation of Renaissance art while contributing to heritage science. The project methodology has applications beyond cultural heritage, influencing the fields of heritage science research and paint technology. Future priorities include validating findings across broader historical samples, developing noninvasive analysis protocols, and strengthening international collaborations to expand the scope and impact of these groundbreaking discoveries.
Key outcomes include the development of advanced analytical protocols for investigating mixed-media paints. XRS provided detailed molecular insights, STXM revealed nanoscale chemical heterogeneities within paint layers in Renaissance paintings, and deep-UV photoluminescence mapped protein and oil components with submicrometer precision. AFM-IR uncovered the nanoscale interactions and heterogeneity in organic binders within model paint layers. These innovations not only improve our understanding of complex heritage materials chemistry, but also create a framework for interdisciplinary collaboration, bringing together art historians, conservators, and scientists to explore the relationship between materials, techniques, and stylistic advancements.
By enhancing understanding of the material innovations behind masterpieces by artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli, ARIAH fosters greater appreciation of Renaissance art while contributing to heritage science. The project methodology has applications beyond cultural heritage, influencing the fields of heritage science research and paint technology. Future priorities include validating findings across broader historical samples, developing noninvasive analysis protocols, and strengthening international collaborations to expand the scope and impact of these groundbreaking discoveries.