LeadART

Presentation

The study of paintings consists of identifying pigments and blinders to highlight the techniques used by the artists but also to propose the most appropriate conservation conditions and restoration treatments.

We observed that the identification of main organic and inorganic components was achieved by different complementary techniques, but that little was known about the interactions between these compounds and with external paintings treatments.

The interaction between pigments and organic blinders and the induced decay and ageing mechanisms was of particular interest in this project.

In this light, the LeadART project's analytical methodologies focused on physico-chemical interactions between zinc and lead white pigments and proteins, glycoproteins, polysaccharides and lipids.

To achieve these objectives, elementary and structural analyses have been employed by the European consortium (France, Italy, Netherlands, Cyprus, Luxembourg) constituted by internationally recognized specialists of Cultural Heritage study (chemists, physicists, conservators, restorators).

Novel analytical methodologies providing more accurate information on organic compound chemical modifications have been proposed and adapted for the first time to Cultural Heritage. New tools for restoration as nanogels have been studied at molecular level. Based on this novel network, the collaborative research have been applied to extraordinary paintings of Antonietta Gallone Archive (The Last Supper, Leonardo de Vinci), mural paintings from famous European buildings (Constitutional Council of Paris Palais Royal, Prosper Chabrol), to the canvas collection of Louvre museum (Van Gogh paintings).

From an economic point of view, the project has helped to launch a new research center dedicated to science and technology in art and archaeology in Cyprus.