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Integrated methodology for the evaluation of cleaning effectiveness in two Russian icons (16th–17th centuries)
Author(s) -
Anca Sandu Irina Crina,
Bracci Susanna,
Lobefaro Mariella,
Sandu Ion
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
microscopy research and technique
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.536
H-Index - 118
eISSN - 1097-0029
pISSN - 1059-910X
DOI - 10.1002/jemt.20817
Subject(s) - meaning (existential) , colorimetry , art , computer science , visual arts , philosophy , computer vision , epistemology
This article covers a methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of cleaning two Russian icons. The icons belong to a group of five from the same iconographic school, dating from the 16th to 17th centuries. An integrated and complementary approach to varnish and overpaint removal involved microscopic techniques (optical and scanning electron microscopy) and colorimetry (CIE L * a * b * system). The materials and techniques used in these icons have been characterized previously. Cleaning revealed extensive overpainting that had not only dramatically changed the original appearance, but also the meaning and attribution of one of the two icons. The analyses carried out were useful in determining the extent of the overpainting and led to a better assessment of the results and effectiveness of the restoration. Microsc. Res. Tech. 73:752–760, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.