Biodeterioration of wall painting at the UNESCO site of Varallo: pink patina
Cristina Corti-Fragoso, Marta Cicardi, Ornella Salvadori, Francesca Piqué
Abstract:
Chapel 11 at the Sacro Monte di Varallo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is decorated with wall paintings and life-size statues. The wall paintings date from 1591 but were heavily repainted at the end of 19th century and again in 1955. Visual examination of the surface revealed the signs of possible microbiological growth (MBG). In situ investigations with portable microscopy (using visible and ultraviolet radiations) and with Adenosine Triphosphates (ATP) measurements were carried out to determine the presence of MBG and the level of their activities. Several types of MBG were identified, but this work discusses the main and more extended discoloration found: the pink patina. In laboratory, isolation and identification by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing were carried out to determine the species. The results obtained will be important for planning the remedial intervention, the post treatment monitoring and the maintenance processes.
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IMEKO-TC4-ARCHAEO-2017-045.pdf
DOI:
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Event details
IMEKO TC:
TC4
Event name:
TC4 MetroArchaeo 2017
Title:

IMEKO TC4 International Conference on Metrology for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage

Place:
Lecce, ITALY
Time:
23 October 2017 - 25 October 2017
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