LABORATORY OF NON-INVASIVE ANALYSIS
The laboratory of non-invasive analysis at APAC is part of the complex characterization process of artefacts and works of art. It is performed by the combined or separate use of various spectroscopic, microscopic and imaging techniques. This approach allows to investigate the cultural heritage materials non-invasively without the necessity to take samples, thus preserving the integrity of valuable objects. The purpose of this analysis is the identification of materials, both organic and inorganic, that constitute the artefacts and works of art. Some of these materials might serve as markers pointing out a certain historical period, a specific artist or a geographical location. Therefore, the range of research questions for non-invasive material analysis includes, but is not limited to the authentication, exposure of fakes, identification of the production patterns and artist’s/artisan’s techniques, virtual reunification of dispersed fragments, evaluation of the state of conservation, study of the history of interventions, provenance study etc. All the equipment employed for non-invasive material analysis at APAC is portable, which allows to perform onsite measurements directly at museums, churches, galleries and excavation sites.
Among the highlights of our laboratories’ research has been the focus on selected works by El Greco and Titian, which have been explored through the integrated application of non-invasive and non-destructive physico-chemical methods, multi-spectral and technical imaging and 3D surface characterization. Whether examining the transformation of El Greco’s artistic technique between Crete and Venice or unveiling the hidden secrets of the stratigraphy of Titian’s paintings, APAC Lab’s art characterization pipeline has offered new insights and knowledge about the work of the great masters.
Another important research activity was the analysis of Giovanni (da Rimini) Baronzio’s 14th century Crucifixion panel, which aimed at mapping the complex history of numerous painting interventions closely linked with the provenance of the artwork. Being able to study the compositional, stylistic and material aspects of these interventions, which mirror efforts to restore but also to ‘correct’ the painting’s narrative, provided an exciting context for the exploration of an array of art historical themes and problems. Furthermore, our laboratories’ research focused on a series of Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons from the Limassol Bishopric and the monastery of Agia Napa. APAC Lab’s flagship project is related to the development of an advanced integrated multi-sensor (XRF, PL and FORS) scanner and will focus on the materiality and technique of works of art, such as wall paintings, icons, statues and archaeological artefacts.
Laboratory of Non-Invasive Analysis (NIA Lab) of APAC Labs is equipped with the state-of-the-art analytical equipment including XRF, FTIR and FORS spectrostrometers, an IRR camera, UV lights as well as a digital microscope. The available tools are portable allowing onsite field analysis at the monuments, churches, museums and excavation sites without the necessity to transport objects to the laboratory. The NIA lab's facilities allow researchers to analyse materials of artefacts and works of art non-invasively i.e. without taking samples...
• Fiber-Optic Reflectance Spectroscopy (FORS),Ruby STIL spectrocolourimeter
• Digital microscopy, Hirox KH 8700 digital microscope
• X-Ray Fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), anElio XRF, Bruker
• Fourier-Transform Infrared spectroscopy(FTIR), Agilent 4300 FTIR spectrometer
• Infrared Reflectography (IRR), Osiris IRR camera
• Multi-sensor XRF-FORS-PL scanner
