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Heritage
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Non-invasive Technologies Applied in Cultural Heritage
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Non-invasive Technologies Applied in Cultural Heritage

A special issue of Heritage (ISSN 2571-9408).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2024) | Viewed by 13529

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Silvano Mignardi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Earth Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Interests: archaeological ceramics; provenance; pigments; ancient mortars; ore microscopy
Dr. Wenke Zhao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Earth Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
Interests: applied geophysics; GPR; archaeology
Dr. Laura Medeghini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Earth Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Interests: archaeometry; cultural heritage conservation; geomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Melania Di Fazio

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Earth Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Interests: archaeometry, archaeometallurgy, ancient alloys, cultural heritage conservation
Laura Calzolari

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Earth Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
Interests: ancient mortars; Roman aqueducts; cultural heritage conservation; historical cast iron street furniture

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Cultural Heritages are part of the history and culture of human beings, therefore their conservation is the main aim of modern Science.

Sciences applied to Cultural Heritage have been growing applications in recent decades with innovative methodologies and techniques, improving the interaction between science, art and conservation. Therefore, new experts with adequate perception of both the problems involved in the conservation of cultural heritage and the scientific methodologies useful to solve these problems, have been trained.

The scientific approach has been appropriately applied in two perspectives: conservation and archaeological study. The first with the aim to find new solutions and products to conserve various kinds of materials, and the second is to improve the knowledge of production technology and past cultures. In both cases, non-invasive techniques are preferred to limit the consumption of the material, favoring the preservation of Cultural Heritage for future generations. Consequently, a large branch of science has been focused on developing new strategies, methodologies, sampling methods, and the elaboration of data to improve the results obtained by non-invasive technologies.

This Special Issue aims to collect scientific contributions on non-invasive technologies applied in Cultural Heritage for new conservative approaches, new archeometric techniques, innovative monitoring techniques and management strategies with particular attention to the projects of Young Researchers.

Topics included in this Special Issue (but not limited to the following):

  • Innovative sampling methods;
  • Non-invasive monitoring methods;
  • 3D reconstructions for the access to Cultural Heritage;
  • New protocols for in situ analysis;
  • Imaging spectroscopy;
  • GIS and database;
  • Photogrammetry and remote sensing;
  • Data processing.

Dr. Silvano Mignardi
Dr. Wenke Zhao
Dr. Laura Medeghini
Dr. Melania Di Fazio
Guest Editors

Laura Calzolari
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Heritage is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Published Papers (10 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 2360 KiB  
Article
Recent Applications of Unilateral NMR to Objects of Cultural Heritage
by Valeria Di Tullio and Noemi Proietti
Heritage 2024, 7(5), 2277-2296; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7050108 (registering DOI) - 29 Apr 2024
Viewed by 64
Abstract
Although nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is recognized as a powerful tool in many areas of research, among the investigative techniques used in the field of cultural heritage its application is still largely unknown. One of the reasons for this is that artifacts are [...] Read more.
Although nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is recognized as a powerful tool in many areas of research, among the investigative techniques used in the field of cultural heritage its application is still largely unknown. One of the reasons for this is that artifacts are complex heterogeneous systems whose analysis requires a multi-disciplinary approach. In addition, major drawbacks in the analysis of objects belonging to cultural heritage are their limited quantity, number of samples collected from the artifact, and their immovability. Consequently, a methodological approach where non-destructive, and possibly non-invasive techniques are used, is advisable. In recent years, thanks to the development of portable instruments, there has been an increasing use of the NMR methodology in the cultural heritage field. The use of portable NMR has allowed us to study several materials in the cultural heritage, such as frescoes, stones, wood, paper, and paintings, to address the challenges in monitoring dampness in historical masonries, to evaluate the penetration depth of a hydrophobic treatment into a porous material, and to study of the effect of cleaning procedures on artifacts. In this paper, recent studies illustrating the potential of NMR portable methodologies in this field of research are reported. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-invasive Technologies Applied in Cultural Heritage)
22 pages, 12590 KiB  
Article
An Archaeometric Study of Lead-Glazed Medieval Ceramics (13th–14th Century) from Santarém, Portugal
by L. F. Vieira Ferreira, T. M. Casimiro, C. Boavida, M. F. Costa Pereira and I. Ferreira Machado
Heritage 2024, 7(5), 2217-2238; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7050105 (registering DOI) - 25 Apr 2024
Viewed by 435
Abstract
Ceramic sherds from approximately 20 samples of lead-glazed tableware, recovered from diverse archaeological sites, including three repurposed storage pits transformed into dumpsters within the medieval city of Santarém (13th–14th century), underwent a meticulous examination. This investigation utilised techniques such as micro-Raman, ground-state diffuse [...] Read more.
Ceramic sherds from approximately 20 samples of lead-glazed tableware, recovered from diverse archaeological sites, including three repurposed storage pits transformed into dumpsters within the medieval city of Santarém (13th–14th century), underwent a meticulous examination. This investigation utilised techniques such as micro-Raman, ground-state diffuse reflectance absorption, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopies, in addition to X-ray diffraction and stereomicroscopy. A parallel study was conducted on contemporaneous European ceramics (glazed sherds) sourced from archaeological sites dating back to the 13th–15th centuries in Saintonge (France), Ardenne, Zomergem, and Bruges (Belgium), as well as Surrey–Hampshire, Kingston, and Cheam (England). The first premise for comparing the Santarem samples with European production locations was their frequent commercial relations with Portugal and the frequency of these productions being found in Portugal. The colour of the ceramic bodies is predominantly white or whitish, with a few exhibiting a vivid red hue. Analyses of the fabric, mineralogical, and elemental composition of the sherds suggest that the majority of Santarém’s glazed ceramics were locally or regionally produced, potentially derived from a Pliocene kaolin-rich sand formation. However, this conclusion is not supported by the absence of discovered lead glaze kilns or workshops in Santarém for the late Middle Ages. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-invasive Technologies Applied in Cultural Heritage)
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14 pages, 16329 KiB  
Article
Rediscovering the Painting Technique of the 15th Century Panel Painting Depicting the Coronation of the Virgin by Michele di Matteo
by Chiara Delledonne, Michela Albano, Tommaso Rovetta, Gianmarco Borghi, Mario Gentile, Anna Denia Marvelli, Piero Mezzabotta, Lucia Riga, Elisa Salvini, Marta Trucco, Francesca Volpi and Giacomo Fiocco
Heritage 2024, 7(1), 324-337; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7010016 - 10 Jan 2024
Viewed by 1571
Abstract
The study concerned a diagnostic spectroscopic campaign carried out on the panel painting depicting the Coronation of the Virgin (first half of the 15th century) by the late-Gothic Italian painter Michele di Matteo. The main aims were the identification of the original painting [...] Read more.
The study concerned a diagnostic spectroscopic campaign carried out on the panel painting depicting the Coronation of the Virgin (first half of the 15th century) by the late-Gothic Italian painter Michele di Matteo. The main aims were the identification of the original painting materials and the characterization of the painter’s artistic technique. A combined approach based on non- and micro-invasive techniques was employed. Visible and ultraviolet-induced fluorescence photography was used to select the areas of interest for spectroscopic analyses; X-ray radiography assessed the state of conservation of the support, while X-ray fluorescence and external reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies allowed the chemical identification of pigments, binders, and varnishes. Attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to visualize and characterize the materials in the pictorial layers. The results highlighted the presence of pigments, possibly applied with an egg binder, consistent with the period of the production of the painting, as well as modern pigments used during subsequent restorations: an imprimitura with lead white and a gypsum-based ground layer. Concerning the gilding, the guazzo technique was confirmed by identifying a red bolo substrate and gold leaf. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-invasive Technologies Applied in Cultural Heritage)
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11 pages, 2180 KiB  
Article
The High Potential of Micro-Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Identification of Archaeological Reeds: The Case Study of Tutankhamun
by Claudia Moricca, Valeria Stagno, Nagmeldeen Morshed Hamza, Gabriele Favero, Laura Sadori and Silvia Capuani
Heritage 2023, 6(11), 7170-7180; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6110375 - 16 Nov 2023
Viewed by 1460
Abstract
This study explores the potential of micro-magnetic resonance imaging (μ-MRI) for identifying archaeological reeds found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. Reed plants had various historical uses in the past, with ancient Egyptians extensively employing them for crafting a wide range of items. The [...] Read more.
This study explores the potential of micro-magnetic resonance imaging (μ-MRI) for identifying archaeological reeds found in the tomb of Tutankhamun. Reed plants had various historical uses in the past, with ancient Egyptians extensively employing them for crafting a wide range of items. The distinct cross-sectional characteristics of Arundo donax (giant reed) and Phragmites australis (common reed) are observed and described via optical microscopy and μ-MRI in this study. While optical microscopy offers higher resolution, μ-MRI provides advantages for studying archaeobotanical specimens, as it eliminates the need for mechanical sectioning and potentially damaging fragile samples. The application of μ-MRI on a selected archaeological reed allowed us to identify it as Phragmites australis, showing that μ-MRI can yield clear images, maintaining the integrity of the sample. In contrast, diagnostic features appeared greatly deformed on the thin section observed via optical microscopy. Despite the limitations related to the sample size and the need for sample soaking, μ-MRI presents a valuable tool for analyzing archaeological remains in the field of cultural heritage, with the potential for broader applications. Overall, this study contributes to expanding the toolkit available to researchers studying plant remains, providing insights into reed identification and preservation in archaeological contexts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-invasive Technologies Applied in Cultural Heritage)
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21 pages, 6400 KiB  
Article
Integrating Cultural Sites into the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark (North-West Italy): Methodologies for Monitoring and Enhancing Cultural Heritage
by Michele Guerini, Rasool Bux Khoso, Arianna Negri, Alizia Mantovani and Elena Storta
Heritage 2023, 6(9), 6132-6152; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6090322 - 27 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1113
Abstract
UNESCO Global Geoparks are recognised in the scientific community for their exceptional geological significance, but their potential to embrace and preserve cultural heritage sites is underestimated. This study delves into a pioneering approach within the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark (NW Italy), [...] Read more.
UNESCO Global Geoparks are recognised in the scientific community for their exceptional geological significance, but their potential to embrace and preserve cultural heritage sites is underestimated. This study delves into a pioneering approach within the Sesia Val Grande UNESCO Global Geopark (NW Italy), examining the integration of culturally significant sites into conservation and promotion strategies. To achieve a successful integration, we adapted a methodology used for the identification and assessment of geosites, incorporating the criteria of cultural significance, to assess the value of 10 cultural sites within the geopark and compare the results with the assessment values of 10 geosites. Moreover, we submitted survey questionnaires to geopark tourists to understand their interest in visiting both geosites and cultural sites. The findings reveal the remarkable scientific, educational, and touristic values of these cultural sites, which constitute an important resource for the geopark, to be enhanced and protected together with the geosites. Interestingly, the higher scientific value of cultural sites corresponds to increased visitor interest, which is in contrast to the trend observed for geosites. Through this unified approach, the monitoring of cultural heritage within the geopark is simplified and improved, enabling a comprehensive inventory and efficient administration. Moreover, by aligning visitor interests with scientific value, the Sesia Val Grande Geopark can enhance conservation and sustainable tourism efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-invasive Technologies Applied in Cultural Heritage)
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19 pages, 27647 KiB  
Article
Structured-Light Scanning and Metrological Analysis for Archaeology: Quality Assessment of Artec 3D Solutions for Cuneiform Tablets
by Filippo Diara
Heritage 2023, 6(9), 6016-6034; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6090317 - 24 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1389
Abstract
This paper deals with a metrological and qualitative evaluation of the Artec 3D structured-light scanners: Micro and Space Spider. As part of a larger European project called ITSERR, these scanners are tested to reconstruct small archaeological artefacts, in particular cuneiform tablets with different [...] Read more.
This paper deals with a metrological and qualitative evaluation of the Artec 3D structured-light scanners: Micro and Space Spider. As part of a larger European project called ITSERR, these scanners are tested to reconstruct small archaeological artefacts, in particular cuneiform tablets with different dimensions. For this reason, Micro and Space Spider are compared in terms of the entire workflow, from preparatory work to post-processing. In this context, three cuneiform replica tablets will serve as examples on which the Artec scanners will have to prove their worth. Metric analyses based on distance maps, RMSe calculations and density analyses will be carried out to understand metrological differences between these tools. The creation of 3D models of cuneiform tablets is the first step in developing a virtual environment suitable for sharing the archaeological collection with collaborators and other users. The inclusion of semantic information through specific ontologies will be the next step in this important project. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-invasive Technologies Applied in Cultural Heritage)
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12 pages, 6676 KiB  
Article
R.A.O. Project Recovery: Methods and Approaches for the Recovery of a Photographic Archive for the Creation of a Photogrammetric Survey of a Site Unreachable over Time
by Vittorio Lauro, Marco Giovannangelo, Mariella De Riggi, Nicola Lanzaro and Vittorio Murtas
Heritage 2023, 6(6), 4710-4721; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6060250 - 07 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1140
Abstract
The goal of this research is to make photogrammetric surveys of the walls of Cortona from 2012 accessible using new methodologies for recovering photographic material. This will allow a team of archaeologists to carry out a virtual reconnaissance of the surveyed stretch of [...] Read more.
The goal of this research is to make photogrammetric surveys of the walls of Cortona from 2012 accessible using new methodologies for recovering photographic material. This will allow a team of archaeologists to carry out a virtual reconnaissance of the surveyed stretch of wall as well as provide the basis for future investigations into any potential changes that may have occurred in the wall since 2012. Photogrammetry is a widely used technique in archaeology that can help researchers accurately measure, reconstruct, and analyze different architectural components of the wall. By using state-of-the-art photogrammetric techniques, including advanced computer vision algorithms, our team aims to produce high-quality 3D models and accurate measurements of different parts of the wall. The results of this research project will enable archaeologists to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the layout of the fortifications and the role of the Cortonese walls in the historical context of the area. Additionally, the research project will provide a detailed documentation of the wall that will be useful for both archaeological researchers and cultural heritage organizations. Finally, the research project will also provide the basis for future investigations into potential changes that may have occurred in the wall since 2012, which will be important for monitoring conservation and restoration efforts and providing an up-to-date record of the wall’s state of preservation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-invasive Technologies Applied in Cultural Heritage)
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18 pages, 10346 KiB  
Article
Non-Destructive Identification and Characterization of Crystopal, A Novel Mid-Twentieth Century Plastic
by Mary N. Boyden, Courtney K. Hicks and Timothy M. Korter
Heritage 2023, 6(5), 4102-4119; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6050216 - 03 May 2023
Viewed by 1288
Abstract
Crystopal is a mechanically strong yet highly decorative plastic with a translucent and crackled appearance that was produced in the 1960s by the artist and plastics engineer Armand G. Winfield (1919–2009) and his company, Crystopal, Ltd. Many of Winfield’s collected plastic objects are [...] Read more.
Crystopal is a mechanically strong yet highly decorative plastic with a translucent and crackled appearance that was produced in the 1960s by the artist and plastics engineer Armand G. Winfield (1919–2009) and his company, Crystopal, Ltd. Many of Winfield’s collected plastic objects are housed within the Syracuse University Libraries, but some lack complete archival descriptions, including plastic compositions. To address this, the non-invasive and non-destructive determination of the polymer identities in Winfield’s artifacts was performed by Raman spectroscopy. Our studies generally begin with the database matching of an artifact spectrum to that of a polymer standard, but when objects known to be fabricated from Crystopal were analyzed, a database of over 100 representative polymers failed to yield the chemical identity of the plastic. However, the Raman spectrum of Crystopal displayed a unique chemical fingerprint that revealed it to be composed of an unsaturated polyester crosslinked with styrene. This Raman spectrum was added to the database and used as reference for the unambiguous identification of Crystopal artifacts, distinguishing them from decorative plastics with similar appearances. The addition of Crystopal to the polymer database provides a pathway toward establishing artifact provenance and preserving objects crafted from this unique and decorative plastic. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-invasive Technologies Applied in Cultural Heritage)
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24 pages, 7008 KiB  
Article
Computed Tomography Analysis of the Manufacture of Cast Head-Bust Figurines by Patricia ‘Pat’ Elvins (1922–2011)
by Dirk H. R. Spennemann and Clare L. Singh
Heritage 2023, 6(2), 2268-2291; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage6020120 - 20 Feb 2023
Viewed by 1327
Abstract
The Alice Springs sculptor Patricia Elvins created a number of busts of Indigenous Australian men, women, and children, which were distributed as casts for the gift and souvenir market. Produced between the early-1960s and the early-1990s, these varnished casts exist with four different [...] Read more.
The Alice Springs sculptor Patricia Elvins created a number of busts of Indigenous Australian men, women, and children, which were distributed as casts for the gift and souvenir market. Produced between the early-1960s and the early-1990s, these varnished casts exist with four different artists’ signatures, representing collaboration with different production potters who produced the casts. Macroscopic analysis shows significant differences in weight between casts of the same bust. CT scanning was carried out to understand the make-up of these casts and to illuminate differences in production techniques. The scanning revealed that all figurines were cast, but that casting techniques varied not only between production potters but also among figurines of the same potter. It revealed differences in the densities of the casting material, both between and within specimens, suggesting that production was not standardized but occurred in smaller batches, possibly on demand of low-volume sales stock. The study has shown the potential of non-destructive CT scanning to go beyond this and serve as a tool to examine the casting process itself as well as to contribute to an understanding of the nature of the plasters used. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-invasive Technologies Applied in Cultural Heritage)
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Review

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0 pages, 3652 KiB  
Review
New Frontiers in the Digital Restoration of Hidden Texts in Manuscripts: A Review of the Technical Approaches
by Michela Perino, Lucilla Pronti, Candida Moffa, Michela Rosellini and Anna Candida Felici
Heritage 2024, 7(2), 683-696; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage7020034 - 03 Feb 2024
Viewed by 1504
Abstract
The digital restoration of historical manuscripts centers on deciphering hidden writings, made imperceptible to the naked eye due to factors such as erasure, fading, carbonization, and aging effects. Recent advancements in modern technologies have significantly improved our ability to unveil and interpret such [...] Read more.
The digital restoration of historical manuscripts centers on deciphering hidden writings, made imperceptible to the naked eye due to factors such as erasure, fading, carbonization, and aging effects. Recent advancements in modern technologies have significantly improved our ability to unveil and interpret such written cultural heritage that, for centuries, had remained inaccessible to contemporary understanding. This paper aims to present a critical overview of state-of-the-art technologies, engaging in discussions about perspectives and limitations, and anticipating future applications. Serving as a practical guide, this work seeks to assist in the selection of techniques for digitally restoring ancient writings. Additionally, potential and challenges associated with integrating these techniques with advanced machine-learning approaches are also outlined. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Non-invasive Technologies Applied in Cultural Heritage)
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