PHASE 1 | 2020

Duration: 4 months

Summary report

The specific objective of the first phase of the INFRA-ART project was the development of an integrated spectral database of artist paint materials. According to the working plan, within this first stage of the project three tasks were carried out:

·       Task 1.1 Documentation on historical painting techniques

·       Task 1.2 Preparation of reference paint samples. Data collection (Part I)

·       Task 1.3 Development of integrated spectral database (Part I)

Within Task 1.1, various references and documentary sources were studied, and a short documentation was made on the technical evolution of oil painting technique starting with the 15th century within the main European workshops. An overview of ground preparation techniques and some notes on the color palette and working techniques of some old masters are also included within the documentation along a series of historical recipes for both panel and canvas preparation used between 1500-1900 across Europe. A brief history of pigment use and some recipes for the preparation of various oil paints are also discussed.

In Task 1.2, a series of demonstrative samples combining various pigments and binders were prepared, and several others were designed based on the documentation made within Task 1.1. In designing the samples several research topics were considered: mixture analysis, pigment-binder ratio, chromatic overlaps, execution technique (sequence of application of the paint layers). Investigation of such samples is of critical importance not only to the understanding of painting techniques but also to a better orientation of the scientific study during conservation intervention.

A set of 120 historical pigments was analyzed by combined FTIR and XRF spectroscopy. The second phase of the project will include an in-depth data analysis of the spectral information acquired, with the aim to identify diagnostic spectral features, chemical patterns or fingerprints that may be used for material identification. Based on the extracted information a workflow for material identification/discrimination will be developed that will be further tested on mixtures and layered structures of controlled composition.

Within this stage of the project the design and development of the database was completed, and in the next stage implementation, testing and optimization will be carried out. The overall structure of the database was set-up, data types and data classes were defined. Aspects related to database functionality, storage capacity, conditions of use and copyright have also been established. In terms of use, the spectral database will allow users to search by keywords and will offer the possibility to select predefined data types and materials. For each material within the database an interactive spectrum will be displayed as well as a datasheet. Each entry will be associated with a series of identifiers as well as metadata. Identifiers include sample code, sample type, material class, sample source/provenance, while metadata are mainly associated with experimental parameters. The spectral database will be available on the project website by the end of 2021 and is intended to be an Open Access resource.

The main results obtained within this first stage include documentation on historical painting techniques, design and preparation of paint reconstructions, analysis of a first set of reference samples consisting of historical pigments, and design and development of an integrated spectral library. Dissemination activities included the presentation of the INFRA-ART postdoctoral research project at The 6th edition of the „Traian Vuia” International Exhibition of Inventions and Innovations that took place in Timișoara between 13-15 October 2020, the project being awarded a Bronze Medal.

Materials included within the INFRA-ART database

In this stage 120 reference materials have been investigated via combined FTIR and XRF analysis.  An index of the investigated materials can be consulted in the Appendix below. Several identifiers are provided for each investigated material: color index (C.I.) code, chemical description, source / provenance, time when the pigment was introduced in painting. Registered data will be included in a dedicated spectral library, availably on the website project by the end of 2021.

Appendix