English | French

Hi-tech restoration by two steps biocleaning process of Triumph of Death fresco at the Camposanto Monumental Cemetery (Pisa, Italy)

Tools

Ranalli, Giancarlo, Zanardini, Elisabetta, Andreotti, Alessia, Colombini, Maria Perla, Corti, Cristina, Bosch-Roig, Pilar, De Nuntiis, Paola, Lustrato, Giuseppe, Mandrioli, Paolo, Rampazzi, Laura, Giantomassi, Carlo and Zari, Donatella (2018) Hi-tech restoration by two steps biocleaning process of Triumph of Death fresco at the Camposanto Monumental Cemetery (Pisa, Italy). Journal of Applied Microbiology, 125 . pp. 800-812. ISSN 1365-2672 [Article]

[img]
Preview
 PDF
Hi-tech restoration by two steps biocleaning process of Triumph of Death fresco at the Camposanto Monumental Cemetery (Pisa, Italy).pdf
Download (1MB) | Preview

Abstract (in English)

Aims: In this work, the “hi-tech” complex biocleaning and restoration of the 14th-century fresco Triumph of Death (5.6x15.0 m) at the Camposanto Monumental Cemetery (Pisa, Italy) is reported. Since 2000, the restoration based on the biological cleaning of noble medieval frescoes, has been successfully utilized in this site. Methods and Results: The novelty of this study is the 2-steps biocleaning process using Pseudomonas stutzeri A29 viable cells, previously applied for recovering other valuable frescoes. In this case, after the fresco detachment from the asbestos-cement support (eternity), both the animal glue and the residues of calcium caseinate were biologically removed respectively from the front and from the back of the fresco in 3 hours as indicated by GC-MS and PY/GC-MS analyses. The data obtained during the monitoring of the bio-restoration process confirmed that the adopted procedure does not leave residual cells on the fresco surfaces as showed by plate count method, ATP determination and also SEM observation. In addition, to avoid the risk of condensation phenomena after the relocation of the restored fresco sections onto the original walls, the use of a new support has been set up together with the design of a control system that allows a continuous monitoring of environmental parameters for prevention and conservation purposes. Conclusions: This large-scale biorestoration work clearly shows and confirms that this biotechnology is highly efficient, safe, non-invasive, risk-free and very competitive compared to the traditional cleaning methods, offering an unusual “resurrection” of the degraded artworks also in very complicated and delicate conditions such as the Triumph of Death fresco, defined for its dimension and artistic importance the ‘Pisa’s Sistina frescoes’. Significance and Impact of the Study. These findings can be of significant importance for other future new restoration activities and they are crucial for determining preservation strategies in this field.

Item Type: Article
Authors:
Authors
Email
Ranalli, Giancarlo
UNSPECIFIED
Zanardini, Elisabetta
UNSPECIFIED
Andreotti, Alessia
UNSPECIFIED
Colombini, Maria Perla
UNSPECIFIED
Corti, Cristina
UNSPECIFIED
Bosch-Roig, Pilar
UNSPECIFIED
De Nuntiis, Paola
UNSPECIFIED
Lustrato, Giuseppe
UNSPECIFIED
Mandrioli, Paolo
UNSPECIFIED
Rampazzi, Laura
laura.rampazzi@uninsubria.it
Giantomassi, Carlo
UNSPECIFIED
Zari, Donatella
UNSPECIFIED
Languages: English
Keywords: Hi-tech restoration; frescoes biocleaning; Pseudomonas stutzeri; optimization of fresco support; anti-condensation system
Subjects: A. THEORETICAL AND GENERAL ASPECTS > 12. Theory of conservation
C.ARCHITECTURE > 08. Wall paintings
E.CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION > 03. Monuments
E.CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION > 08. Monitoring
F.SCIENTIFIC TECHNIQUES AND METHODOLOGIES OF CONSERVATION > 06. Analysis of materials
F.SCIENTIFIC TECHNIQUES AND METHODOLOGIES OF CONSERVATION > 12. Biochemical analysis
F.SCIENTIFIC TECHNIQUES AND METHODOLOGIES OF CONSERVATION > 13. Chemical analysis
F.SCIENTIFIC TECHNIQUES AND METHODOLOGIES OF CONSERVATION > 28. Infra red analysis
F.SCIENTIFIC TECHNIQUES AND METHODOLOGIES OF CONSERVATION > 34. Microanalysis
G.DETERIORATION > 02. Causes of deterioration
G.DETERIORATION > 05. Prevention of deterioration
Name of monument, town, site, museum: Triumph of Death, Camposanto Monumental Cemetery (Pisa, Italy)
UNESCO WHC Number: 395
Volume: 125
ISSN: 1365-2672
Depositing User: dr Laura Rampazzi
Date Deposited: 02 Mar 2021 11:21
Last Modified: 08 Jun 2021 09:54
References: Albuszis, M., Roth, P.J., Exnowitz, F., Locsin Wong, D., Pauer, W., and Moritz, H.U. (2016). Synthesis and in-depth characterization of reactive, uniform, crosslinked microparticles based on free radical copolymerization of 4-vinylbenzyl azide. Polym Chem 7:1168-1180.

Alfano, G., Lustrato, G., Belli, C., Zanardini, E., Cappitelli, F., Mello, E., Sorlini, C., and Ranalli, G. (2011). The bioremoval of nitrate and sulfate alterations on artistic stonework: the case-study of Matera Cathedral after six years from the treatment. Int Biodeterior Biodegrad 65:1004–1011

Antonioli, P., Zapparoli, G., Abbruscato, P., Sorlini, C., Ranalli, G., and Righetti, P. G. (2005). Art-loving bugs: the resurrection of Spinello Aretino from Pisa’’ cemetery. Proteomics 5:2453–2459.

Bellucci, R., and Cremonesi, P. (1994). L’uso degli enzimi nella conservazione e nel restauro dei dipinti. Kermes 21:45-64.

Bonomi, R. (1994). Utilizzo degli enzimi per il restauro di una scultura in terracotta policroma. OPD Restauro 6:101-107.

Bosch-Roig, P., Montes-Estellés, R. M., Regidor-Ros, J. L., Roig-Picazo, P., and Ranalli, G. (2012). New frontiers in the microbial biocleaning of artworks. The Picture Restorer 41:37–41. ISSN: 0964 9662.

Bosch-Roig, P., Regidor-Ros, J. L., and Montes-Estellés, R. M. (2013a). Biocleaning of nitrate alterations on wall paintings by Pseudomonas stutzeri. Int Biodeterior Biodegrad 84:266–274.

Bosch-Roig, P., Regidor-Ros, J. L., Soriano-Sancho, P., and Montes-Estellés, R. M. (2013b). Biocleaning of animal glue on wall paintings by Pseudomonas stutzeri. Chim Oggi /Chem Today 31 (1):50–53.

Bosch Roig, P., Lustrato, G., Zanardini, E., and Ranalli, G. (2014). Biocleaning of Cultural Heritage stone surfaces and frescoes: which delivery system can be the most appropriate? Ann Microbiol ISSN 1590-4261. doi:10.1007/s13213-014-0938-4

Bosch-Roig, P., and Ranalli, G. (2014). The safety of biocleaning technologies for cultural heritage. Front Microbiol 5:155. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2014.00155

Bosch-Roig, P., Decorosi, F., Giovannetti, L., Ranalli, G., and Viti, C. (2016). Connecting phenome to genome in Pseudomonas stutzeri 5190: An artwork biocleaning bacterium. Res Microbiol 167: (9-10) 757-765. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.resmic.2016.09.003

Cappitelli, F., Zanardini, E., Toniolo, L., Abbruscato, P., Ranalli, G., and Sorlini, C. (2005). Bioconservation of the marble base of the Pietà Rondanini by Michelangelo Buonarroti. Geophys Res Abstr 7:06675-06676. ISSN: 1607-7962. SRef-ID: 1607-7962/gra/EGU05-A-06675.

Cappitelli, F., Toniolo, L., Sansonetti, A., Gulotta, D., Ranalli, G., Zanardini, E., et al. (2007). Advantages of using microbial technology over traditional chemical technology in the removal of black crusts from stone surfaces of historical monuments. Appl Environ Microbiol 73:5671–5675.

Colombini, M.P., and Bonaduce, I. (2003). Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry for the characterization of organic materials in frescoes of the Monumental Cemetery of Pisa (Italy), Rapid Commun Mass Spectrom 17:2523–2527.

Corti, C., Rampazzi, L., Bugini, R., Sansonetti, A., Biraghi, M., Castelletti, L., et al. (2013). Thermal analysis and archaeological chronology: the ancient mortars of the site of Baradello (Como, Italy). Therm Acta 572:71-84.

Corti, C., Rampazzi, L., and, Visonà, P. (2016). Hellenistic Mortar and Plaster from Contrada Mella near Oppido Mamertina (Calabria, Italy). Int J Cons Scie 7:57-70.

Gioventù, E., Lorenzi, P. F., Villa, F., Sorlini, C., Rizzi, M., Cagnini, A. et al. (2011). Comparing the bioremoval of black crusts on colored artistic lithotypes of the Cathedral of Florence with chemical and laser treatment. Int Biodeterior Biodegrad 65:832–839.

Gupta, D.C., Beldar, A.G., and Tank, R. (2006). Suspension copolymerization of styrene and divinylbenzene: Formation of beads. J Appl Polym Sci, 101:3559–3563.

Lluveras, A., Bonaduce, I., Andreotti, A., and Colombini, M. P. (2010). A GC/MS analytical procedure for the characterization of glycerolipids, natural waxes, terpenoid resins, proteinaceous and polysaccharide materials in the same paint micro sample avoiding interferences from inorganic media. Anal Chem 81:376–386.

Lustrato, G., Alfano, G., Andreotti, A., Colombini, M.P., and Ranalli, G. (2012). Fast biocleaning of mediaeval frescoes using viable bacterial cells. Int Biodeterior Biodegrad 69:51–61

Makes, F. (1988). Enzymatic consolidation of the portrait of Rudolf II as “Vertumnus” by Giuseppe Arcimboldo with a new multi-enzyme preparation isolated from Antarctic Krill (Euphasia superba). Acta Univ Gotheburg 23:98-110.

Mandrioli, P., Fernandez, D., De Nuntiis, P., and Branzanti, L. (2013). Il monitoraggio assistito per la conservazione preventiva dei beni culturali: dal progetto all'applicazione. In Il Prato (ed), Prima, durante … invece del restauro. Padova, 77-85.

May, E., Webster, A. M., Inkpen, R., Zamarreño, D., Kuever, J., Rudolph, C., et al. (2008). The BIOBRUSH project for bioremediation of Heritage stone. In May, E., Jones, M. and Mitchell, J (eds), Heritage Microbiology and Science. Microbes, Monuments and Maritime Materials, pp. 76–93 Cambridge: RSC Publishing. ISBN: 9780854041411.

Mazzoni, M., Tasso, F., Alisi, C., Cecchini, A., Marconi, A., and Sprocati, A.R. (2014). Laponite micro-packs for the selective cleaning of multiple coherent deposits on wall paintings: The case study of Casina Farnese on the Palatine Hill (Rome-Italy). Int Biodeterior Biodegrad 94:1-11. doi:10.1016/j.ibiod.2014.06.004

Orsini, S., Parlanti, F., and Bonaduce, I. (2017). Analyical pyrolysis of proteins in samples from artistic and archaeological objects. J Anal Appl Pyrolysis, 124:643–657. doi:10.1016/j.jaap.2016.12.017

Polo, A., Cappitelli, F., Brusetti, L., Principi, P., Villa, F., Giacomucci, L., et al. (2010). Feasibility of removing surface deposits on stone using biological and chemical remediation methods. Environ Microbiol 60:1–14.

Rampazzi, L., Rizzo, B., Colombo, C., Conti, C., Realini, M., Bartolucci, U., et al. (2012). The stucco technique of the Magistri Comacini: the case study of St. Maria dei Ghirli in Campione d’Italia (Como, Italy). Archaeom 54:926-939.

Rampazzi, L., Colombini, M.P., Conti, C., Corti, C., Lluveras-Tenorio, A., Sansonetti, A., et al. (2016). Technology of Medieval mortars: an investigation into the use of organic additives, Archaeom 58:115-130.

Ranalli, G., Chiavarini, M., Guidetti, V., Marsala, F., Matteini, M., Zanardini, E., et al. (1996). The use of microorganisms for the removal of nitrates and organic substances on artistic stoneworks. In Riederer, J. (ed), Proceedings 8th International Congress on Deterioration and Conservation of Stone, pp. 1415-1420. Möller, Berlin.

Ranalli, G., Matteini, M., Tosini, I., Zanardini, E., and Sorlini, C. (2000). Bioremediation of cultural heritage: removal of sulphates, nitrates and organic substances. In Ciferri, O., Tiano, P. and Mastromei, G. (eds), Of Microbes and Art. The Role of Microbial Communities in the Degradation and Protection of Cultural Heritage, pp. 231-245. Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers, New York. ISBN 0306463776.

Ranalli, G., Belli, C., Baracchini, C., Caponi, G., Pacini, P., Zanardini, E., et al. (2003a). Deterioration and bioremediation of frescoes: A case-study. In Saiz-Jimenez, C. (ed), Molecular Biology and Cultural Heritage, pp. 243-246. A.A. Balkema Publishers, Lisse, the Netherlands.

Ranalli, G., Zanardini, E., Pasini, P., and Roda, A. (2003b). Rapid biodeteriogen and biocide diagnosis on artwork: a bioluminescent low-light imaging technique. Ann Microbiol 53:1-13.

Ranalli, G., Alfano, G., Belli, C., Lustrato, G., Colombini, M.P., Bonaduce, I. et al. (2005). Biotechnology applied to cultural heritage: biorestoration of frescoes using viable bacterial cells and enzymes. J Appl Microbiol 98:73–83.

Troiano, F., Gulotta, D., Balloi, A., Polo, A., Toniolo, L., Lombardi, E. et al. (2013). Successful combination of chemical and biological treatments for the cleaning of stone artworks. Int Biodeterior Biodegrad 85:294–304.

Wolbers, R. (2000) In Archetype. Cleaning painted surface: Aqueous Methods, London.
URI: https://openarchive.icomos.org/id/eprint/2442

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

Metadata

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics

© ICOMOS
https://www.icomos.org/en
documentation(at)icomos.org