Study on Modern and Contemporary works of Art through non invasive integrated physical techniques

During my PhD I developed two parallel and complementary topics, concerning both works of art and materials. The first one, focused on non-invasive investigations on works of art (ancient and contemporary), was aimed to deepen conservative state, material composition, painting techniques and the early detection of any deterioration. This latter goal also guided the study of pictorial and restoration materials, mainly aimed at their characterization from the optical point of view. Diagnostic activities made use of different methods of investigation. Among image techniques, photography and macrophotography in diffuse, specular and raking light, ultraviolet fluorescent, image spectroscopy, wide band infrared reflectography, digital and differential K-edge radiography. To get as much information as possible, to be properly integrated with other data, punctual diagnostic techniques, such as reflectance spectrophotometry, colorimetry and X Ray fluorescence, were also used.