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Abstract: Due to the extreme fragility of paper-based artefacts, few techniques are available for scientific investigation and characterisation of ancient drawings or paper-based artefacts. Image reflectance spectroscopy represents an almost unique tool for scientific analysis on precious drawings, for which even micro-invasive techniques of analysis cannot be used. Indeed, beside the high fragility of the support, drawings and graphical works are typically characterised by a very limited number of artistic materials, which in principle could give information on the work of art. In this paper an interdisciplinary study on a set of drawings by Parmigianino (1503–1540), selected from the collection of the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, is presented. Non-invasive measurements of image spectroscopy (IS) have been employed to support the work of art-historians in the critical re-examination and interpretation of the graphical work of the artist. The multispectral analysis has been carried out over the extended spectral region (400–1700 nm), in order to provide simultaneous indications both on the pictorial materials and on possibly underlying hatches. The data processing has been performed by means of Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and the elaboration of each case has been addressed to specifically respond to questions related to the art-historical problem. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Optical, SEM-EDS and TEM microscopy, Mössbauer and UV–Vis spectroscopy, SIMS spectrometry and ICP spectroscopy, were carried out on sixty vitreous finds, with particular attention to the trace elements, in order to correlate them to the raw materials, the working instruments and the technology employed. The colours of these vitreous finds have been studied in detail to establish the presence and kind of chromophores, the redox conditions used for obtaining of the vitreous mass during the fusion process, the role of the oxidation state and chemical environment of the different metal ions, etc. Eight crucibles and one refractory material were also investigated by XRD diffractometry and TG-DTA thermogravimetry. Their composition, morphology and thermal behaviour gave information on the working temperature inside the kilns. These studies offer a scientific contribution to the archaeological requests to characterise correctly the pre-industrial glass manufactures in Valdelsa. The obtained results allow us to gain a more exhaustive knowledge of the production technology at Germagnana (14th century) and Gambassi (16th century) and of the provenance of the employed raw materials and to register differences and analogies in their production process. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Surface examination by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Auger electron spectrosopy has been employed to investigate the patinas on Lorenzo Ghiberti's 'Door of Paradise' from the Florence Baptistry and one of the so-called Riace bronzes. These techniques and the related depth profiling technique are described; the results gave interesting information on the state of conservation, the original manufacturing process and the possible original appearance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]