Optical spectroscopies: application to the study of paint models

My Ph.D. work was aimed at developing new methodologies based on combination of traditional spectroscopic techniques with multivariate analysis tools to analyze binding media used in traditional easel European paintings. My dissertation explored the possibility of fully characterizing traditional neat binding media and complex systems such as oil-paint models, applying Principal Component Analysis (PCA) on combined first derivative Fourier Transform Near Infrared (FT-NIR) and micro-Raman spectra. Furthermore, I also carried out a preliminary study to evaluate potentialities and limits of the 2D-Fluorescence spectroscopy, applied in combination with PCA to study and characterize neat binding media. This work was performed within the framework of the national project “SICH PRIN 2010-11 - Sustainability in Cultural Heritage from diagnosis to the development of innovative systems for consolidation, cleaning and protection” that was funded by the Italian Ministry of University and Research.