Archeobotanical materials recovered from pottery vessels originating from the underwater archeolo... more Archeobotanical materials recovered from pottery vessels originating from the underwater archeological site of “Gran Carro”, located in Central Italy on the shore of Bolsena Lake, were analyzed to obtain new insight into the agricultural habits present in this Iron Age settlement. The archeobotanical study of cereal remains was combined with analytical data obtained from an amorphous organic residue using optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, ATR/FT-IR and Py-GC/MS. The cereal remains of emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum), and foxtail millet (Setaria italica) were identified as the preferred crops used for food and/or fodder at the site. The presence of charred millets, which have been directly dated by AMS, confirms consumption at the site and adds to the little-known background of millet use in central Italy. The find of millets in a perilacustrine pile-dwelling during a period when the water level of the Bolsena Lake was several...
Archeobotanical materials recovered from pottery vessels originating from the underwater archeolo... more Archeobotanical materials recovered from pottery vessels originating from the underwater archeological site of “Gran Carro”, located in Central Italy on the shore of Bolsena Lake, were analyzed to obtain new insight into the agricultural habits present in this Iron Age settlement. The archeobotanical study of cereal remains was combined with analytical data obtained from an amorphous organic residue using optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, ATR/FT-IR and Py-GC/MS. The cereal remains of emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum), and foxtail millet (Setaria italica) were identified as the preferred crops used for food and/or fodder at the site. The presence of charred millets, which have been directly dated by AMS, confirms consumption at the site and adds to the little-known background of millet use in central Italy. The find of millets in a perilacustrine pile-dwelling during a period when the water level of the Bolsena Lake was several...
The castle of Castro Marim archaeological site is located at the highest point of the town with t... more The castle of Castro Marim archaeological site is located at the highest point of the town with the same name on the southern margin of Portugal close to the border with Spain. The site is placed in the hilltop 30 meters above sea level, elevated along a swampy area between the south eastern coast of the Algarve and the mouth of the Guadiana river. Several archaeological campaigns revealed occupation during the Iron Age, Roman period and the Middle Ages. The objective of this research is to evaluate the presence of two specific types of Pre-Roman amphorae in Castro Marim site in terms of provenance and content. Production and distribution of Pellicer type B / C and D can be dated from the 5th to the 1st centuries B.C and are related with Phoenician-Punic occupation of the Cadiz bay area and the Lower Guadalquivir valley. The Petrographic analyses of the ceramic material, based on a multianalytical approach (mainly XRD, XRF, petrography and SEM-EDS) is focused on identifying the different provenance of selected amphorae. In relevant cases, the residues extracted from the ceramic materials are studied by GS-MS, in order to identify possible past content of the amphorae. This work discusses the origin of the analysed amphorae, contextualizing them in their production, commerce and content.
This study aims to identify the materials used in the production of a post-byzantine icon from th... more This study aims to identify the materials used in the production of a post-byzantine icon from the Museum of Évora's collection. The icon, representing the "Emperor Constantine and his mother Helen holding the Holy Cross" was once dated as being from the 10th century. Throughout a multi-analytical approach, combining area exams with spectroscopic techniques, this study tried to confirm its actual chronology. The results obtained revealed that it is most likely an icon from the late 17th or 18th century. Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo a identificação dos materiais utilizados na produção de um ícone pós-bizantino pertencente à coleção do Museu de Évora. Este ícone, representando o "Imperador Constantino e a sua mãe Helena manifestando a Cruz", foi datado como sendo do século X. Através de uma abordagem analítica diversificada, combinando exames de área com técnicas espectroscópicas, tentámos confirmar a sua datação. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que será...
In the Iberian Peninsula, the Alentejo region is particularly important for its number of Megalit... more In the Iberian Peninsula, the Alentejo region is particularly important for its number of Megalithic monuments, both funerary and non-funerary. The majority of these monuments have been excavated during the last century, and nowadays, despite the fact that the methodologies used were not always the most appropriate, large numbers of archaeological artefacts are stored in various National Museums. During the last couple of years a project has been developed to study some exotic materials recovered from the Megalithic monuments of Alentejo region and, in this communication, the results on the presence of red pigments (cinnabar and ochre) and amber in some of these monuments are presented. Key-words: Funerary megalithic monument, Alentejo, cinnabar, amber 1.O megalitismo alentejano
Honey is a natural food product very famous for its health benefits for being an important source... more Honey is a natural food product very famous for its health benefits for being an important source of antioxidant and phenolic compounds. Euphorbia honeys obtained from different regions of Morocco were evaluated for their ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, lipoxygenase, tyrosinase and xanthine oxidase activities. Their antioxidant properties were evaluated using the: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging capacity, nitric oxide scavenging activity (NO) and scavenging ability of superoxide anion radical. Then, the phenolic extracts of the same entire honey samples were evaluated by liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection and mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-MS) and tested for the biological activities previously evaluated on the entire honeys, in order to conduct a comparative study between both (honey and phenolic extracts). The chromatographic profiles for the studied Euphorbia honey extracts were different. Phenolic compounds gallic acid, 4-hydroxybe...
This paper reports the diagnostic research of deteriorated paint layers from three mural panels m... more This paper reports the diagnostic research of deteriorated paint layers from three mural panels made by Almada Negreiros found in the Alcântara Maritime Station in Lisbon. The aim was to understand the main decay phenomena to aid future conservation works. The methodology comprised in-situ analyses by technical photography in Vis, Vis-RaK and UVF, p-OM and h-EDXRF; micro sampling; OM, SEM-EDS, μ-XRD, μ-Raman, µ-FT-IR and Py-GC/MS. Preliminary results show that all the paint layers analyzed are affected by salts (alkali sulphates) that over time have caused flacking, lack of cohesion, erosion, and lacunae. The light greenish/greenish bluish paint layers in all three panels are the most affected. No organic binders were identified, only the presence of vinyl polymer in glossy paint surfaces.
A diachronic, multi-analytical approach combining EDXRF, µFTIR, µRaman, SEM-EDS, and Py-GC/MS has... more A diachronic, multi-analytical approach combining EDXRF, µFTIR, µRaman, SEM-EDS, and Py-GC/MS has been adopted with the aim to study for the first time the painting materials used to decorate Egyptian funerary masks and sarcophagi ranging from the Late Period to the Roman Period and stored in the Archaeological National Museum (MNA) and the Carmo Archaeological Museum (MAC) of Lisbon and the Natural History Museum of the University in Oporto (MNH-FCUP). Results indicate that yellow and red ochres, realgar, cinnabar, Egyptian blue, and Egyptian green were used as pigments while chalk served as the preparatory layer. Over the 1000-year timeline of the studied artifacts, the palette remained remarkably consistent with previous findings as exemplified by cinnabar being used for red pigments in samples only dated after the Ptolemaic period. The presence of Sn in Egyptian blue and Egyptian green pigments used in one sample suggests the use of recycled bronze scraps during pigment producti...
Fig ( Ficus carica L.) is an excellent source of sugars, dietary fibers, minerals, vitamins, orga... more Fig ( Ficus carica L.) is an excellent source of sugars, dietary fibers, minerals, vitamins, organic acids and phytochemicals. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of fig powder supplement, as a natural sweetener and flavoring agent, on the physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of goat’s milk yogurt. It aimed also to determine antioxidant capacity and volatile profile using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. Pyrolysis-GC/MS (Py-GC/MS) was also used for the characterization of fig powder. Fig powder exhibited an important antioxidant activity against DPPH. Radical (IC50 = 1.92 ± 0.05 mg per mL). Volatile compounds, from several classes (acids, alcohols, aldehydes, esters, triterpenoids and others) were identified in fig powder. Py-GC/MS data revealed that degradation of fig powder macromolecules leaded to the formation of several aromatic and volatile compounds such as fatty acids, ketones, aromatic phenols, lactones amo...
ABSTRACT The presence of stucco marble in the Portuguese architecture is not surveyed and studies... more ABSTRACT The presence of stucco marble in the Portuguese architecture is not surveyed and studies addressing the materials used to produce it are almost inexistent. In this paper, the results of the multi-analytical characterisation using XRD, SEM-EDS, Py-GC/MS and the determination of capillary water absorption and dynamic modulus of elasticity of 15 samples belonging to seven case studies are presented and discussed. XRD showed that gypsum is the main constituent, but anhydrite is also present in most samples. These results were consistent with the observations by SEM-EDS, attesting temperatures of calcination above 350ºC. The use of a multiphase gypsum plaster as a binder was probably intentional. The treatment of the surfaces, which is used to obtain an aesthetical appearance similar to the natural stone, has also a major influence in the main properties of the final materials. The search for organic compounds showed the presence of animal glues in the inner core and beeswax and oils at the surface. The dynamic moduli of elasticity are extremely high in the samples incorporating anhydrite and the capillary water absorption is almost inexistent. The results obtained intend to contribute to promote sustainable interventions on this type of materials, namely the future development of compatible restoration products.
Abstract This paper reports the results of a multi analytical research undertaken on a mural and ... more Abstract This paper reports the results of a multi analytical research undertaken on a mural and on a panel painting altarpiece authored by Jose de Escovar in 1603, one of the most productive and controversial painters working for Evora Archiepiscopate at the end of the 16th century and beginning of the 17th century. The two paintings are among his first documented artworks in the region and the only case where both are still in their original architectural location - the Chapel of the Souls in the main church of Vila Nova da Baronia (30 km away from the city of Evora). Jose de Escovar is a well-known mural painter but not much is still known about his other skills. To better define his craftsmanship, comparison of technical features and painting materials employed on both supports and paint layers was carried out using a multi-analytical setup for in situ analyses and laboratory characterization. The analytical campaign comprised technical photography (UVF-Vis-IR), portable EDXRF, OM, XRD, SEM/EDS, µ-Raman, µ-FT-IR and py-GC/MS. The results showed that although Jose de Escovar was considered a minor painter, he was clearly acquainted with both painting techniques and the use of different materials in accordance with the pictorial specifications and traditions at the time in Europe.
Abstract.The authenticity and provenience of what is known as the Francisco Pizarro’s Banner of A... more Abstract.The authenticity and provenience of what is known as the Francisco Pizarro’s Banner of Arms, stored at the National Museum of Colombia and related to the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire, has been the object of debate amongst both historians and conservation experts for the last two centuries. In this study, a multi-analytical approach has been adopted to assess if the materials used in the making of the banner were compatible with the historical period assigned by historians. 25 micro samples were collected in different sections of the banner and subjected to microscopic, chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques to characterize the materials. Selected samples were also subjected to radiocarbon dating analysis. Analytical results enabled the identification of silk as the main fabric used in the making of the banner; cochineal, brazilwood and indigo were used as natural dyes while metal threads were utilized for decorative purposes. Paper with animal adhesive was used as the supporting material. The manufacturing technique together with radiocarbon dating data suggest the banner to be an original textile from the 15-16th centuries, possibly made at the time of King Charles I of Spain.
Opuntia ficus‐indica fruits have an important nutritional value and show several biological prope... more Opuntia ficus‐indica fruits have an important nutritional value and show several biological properties. This work studied the fruit physicochemical characteristics of two wild ecotypes (“Green” and “Orange”) and two cultivars (“Rossa” and “Gialla”) from Portugal. The results showed that the largest and heaviest fruits were those from ecotype “Orange,”, whereas the wild ecotype “Green” had fruits with firmer flesh. The fruit peels of cultivars “Rossa” and “Gialla” presented the highest fibre content. Glucose was the major carbohydrate in the fruits, particularly in the peels. Malic acid was the sole organic acid in both peels and pulps of all samples. The betacyanins’ content was higher in fruits of the “Rossa” cultivar, and the higher betaxanthins’ content was present in the peel of the cultivar “Gialla.” Peels of all samples generally had higher amounts of betalains than the pulps. The peel was a better scavenger of DPPH and ABTS free radicals than the pulp. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The wastes of diverse food industries have revealed the presence of bioactive compounds with added value. The fruits of Opuntia ficus‐indica are appreciated for possessing biological attributes, nevertheless the peel generally is not used. The present work shows that the pigments (betalains) are predominantly found in the peel. Moreover, the in vitro antioxidant activity was also higher in this part of the fruit, independent on the ecotype or cultivar studied. Such results might trigger the interest for these residues from which pigments and bioactive compounds can be extracted, and, as extracts, can be used in diverse domains particularly in food and pharmaceutical industries.
Spectrochimica acta. Part A, Molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy, Jan 6, 2017
In this work, a study on a set of paintings from the most significant altarpiece assigned to Mast... more In this work, a study on a set of paintings from the most significant altarpiece assigned to Master Jorge Afonso (c. 1470-1540) painting workshop is presented. This altarpiece is composed by fourteen paintings made to the church of Convento de Jesus, in Setúbal, Portugal, and was made circa 1517-19/1530, according to art-history. This set of paintings is compared to one of the other most important Portuguese altarpieces from the 16th century: the panels of the Round Church of the Convento de Cristo, in Tomar, made circa 1510-1515. The aim of this study is to characterize the wooden support, pigments, ground layers materials and technique used in Jorge Afonso workshop by means of complementary analyses. A dendrochronological approach was made in order to corroborate (or not) the historical date initially assigned. Infrared photography (IRP) and reflectography (IRR) allowed the study of the underdrawing technique and macro photography (MP) was used to recognize overlapping layers tech...
Abstract How to preserve a set of paintings made with European materials and taken to South Asia ... more Abstract How to preserve a set of paintings made with European materials and taken to South Asia in the 16 th century? A set of seven paintings belonging to the first altarpiece of Goa Cathedral now remain in its sacristy. Art history states that these paintings, assigned to the painter Garcia Fernandes, were produced in Lisbon circa 1530 and carried to Goa shortly after, Serrao (2011), Reis-Santos (1957). Presently, the conservation state of the paintings indicates urgent treatment. The most damaged paintings show significant loss of the original chromatic layer. This is mostly due to the high temperatures and relative humidity existing in tropical climates, such as Goa, different from the European. The Baltic oak support is covered with ground layers of calcium suphate, which present fissures and great losses due to the shrinkages of the wood support. The high reactivity of the ground materials to water is also a factor leading to specific material deterioration and degradation mechanisms. In comparison with the paintings of the same period produced in Portugal using the same materials, we verify a much higher degradation of the state of conservation. To access the procedures for preservation and restoration of this set of paintings we must take into account the possible degradation mechanisms of the constituent materials brought by specific environmental factors. This paper discusses the degradation problematic of this specific set of paintings taking into account their particular environment, while bringing results on the materials used. Concluding, this study will allow the knowledge on how to preserve and restore one of the most ancient sets of European paintings in India, kept since the 16 th century in tropical climate.
Archeobotanical materials recovered from pottery vessels originating from the underwater archeolo... more Archeobotanical materials recovered from pottery vessels originating from the underwater archeological site of “Gran Carro”, located in Central Italy on the shore of Bolsena Lake, were analyzed to obtain new insight into the agricultural habits present in this Iron Age settlement. The archeobotanical study of cereal remains was combined with analytical data obtained from an amorphous organic residue using optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, ATR/FT-IR and Py-GC/MS. The cereal remains of emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum), and foxtail millet (Setaria italica) were identified as the preferred crops used for food and/or fodder at the site. The presence of charred millets, which have been directly dated by AMS, confirms consumption at the site and adds to the little-known background of millet use in central Italy. The find of millets in a perilacustrine pile-dwelling during a period when the water level of the Bolsena Lake was several...
Archeobotanical materials recovered from pottery vessels originating from the underwater archeolo... more Archeobotanical materials recovered from pottery vessels originating from the underwater archeological site of “Gran Carro”, located in Central Italy on the shore of Bolsena Lake, were analyzed to obtain new insight into the agricultural habits present in this Iron Age settlement. The archeobotanical study of cereal remains was combined with analytical data obtained from an amorphous organic residue using optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, ATR/FT-IR and Py-GC/MS. The cereal remains of emmer wheat (Triticum dicoccum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), broomcorn millet (Panicum miliaceum), and foxtail millet (Setaria italica) were identified as the preferred crops used for food and/or fodder at the site. The presence of charred millets, which have been directly dated by AMS, confirms consumption at the site and adds to the little-known background of millet use in central Italy. The find of millets in a perilacustrine pile-dwelling during a period when the water level of the Bolsena Lake was several...
The castle of Castro Marim archaeological site is located at the highest point of the town with t... more The castle of Castro Marim archaeological site is located at the highest point of the town with the same name on the southern margin of Portugal close to the border with Spain. The site is placed in the hilltop 30 meters above sea level, elevated along a swampy area between the south eastern coast of the Algarve and the mouth of the Guadiana river. Several archaeological campaigns revealed occupation during the Iron Age, Roman period and the Middle Ages. The objective of this research is to evaluate the presence of two specific types of Pre-Roman amphorae in Castro Marim site in terms of provenance and content. Production and distribution of Pellicer type B / C and D can be dated from the 5th to the 1st centuries B.C and are related with Phoenician-Punic occupation of the Cadiz bay area and the Lower Guadalquivir valley. The Petrographic analyses of the ceramic material, based on a multianalytical approach (mainly XRD, XRF, petrography and SEM-EDS) is focused on identifying the different provenance of selected amphorae. In relevant cases, the residues extracted from the ceramic materials are studied by GS-MS, in order to identify possible past content of the amphorae. This work discusses the origin of the analysed amphorae, contextualizing them in their production, commerce and content.
This study aims to identify the materials used in the production of a post-byzantine icon from th... more This study aims to identify the materials used in the production of a post-byzantine icon from the Museum of Évora's collection. The icon, representing the "Emperor Constantine and his mother Helen holding the Holy Cross" was once dated as being from the 10th century. Throughout a multi-analytical approach, combining area exams with spectroscopic techniques, this study tried to confirm its actual chronology. The results obtained revealed that it is most likely an icon from the late 17th or 18th century. Resumo Este estudo teve como objetivo a identificação dos materiais utilizados na produção de um ícone pós-bizantino pertencente à coleção do Museu de Évora. Este ícone, representando o "Imperador Constantino e a sua mãe Helena manifestando a Cruz", foi datado como sendo do século X. Através de uma abordagem analítica diversificada, combinando exames de área com técnicas espectroscópicas, tentámos confirmar a sua datação. Os resultados obtidos sugerem que será...
In the Iberian Peninsula, the Alentejo region is particularly important for its number of Megalit... more In the Iberian Peninsula, the Alentejo region is particularly important for its number of Megalithic monuments, both funerary and non-funerary. The majority of these monuments have been excavated during the last century, and nowadays, despite the fact that the methodologies used were not always the most appropriate, large numbers of archaeological artefacts are stored in various National Museums. During the last couple of years a project has been developed to study some exotic materials recovered from the Megalithic monuments of Alentejo region and, in this communication, the results on the presence of red pigments (cinnabar and ochre) and amber in some of these monuments are presented. Key-words: Funerary megalithic monument, Alentejo, cinnabar, amber 1.O megalitismo alentejano
Honey is a natural food product very famous for its health benefits for being an important source... more Honey is a natural food product very famous for its health benefits for being an important source of antioxidant and phenolic compounds. Euphorbia honeys obtained from different regions of Morocco were evaluated for their ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase, lipoxygenase, tyrosinase and xanthine oxidase activities. Their antioxidant properties were evaluated using the: 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical-scavenging capacity, nitric oxide scavenging activity (NO) and scavenging ability of superoxide anion radical. Then, the phenolic extracts of the same entire honey samples were evaluated by liquid chromatography coupled to diode array detection and mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-MS) and tested for the biological activities previously evaluated on the entire honeys, in order to conduct a comparative study between both (honey and phenolic extracts). The chromatographic profiles for the studied Euphorbia honey extracts were different. Phenolic compounds gallic acid, 4-hydroxybe...
This paper reports the diagnostic research of deteriorated paint layers from three mural panels m... more This paper reports the diagnostic research of deteriorated paint layers from three mural panels made by Almada Negreiros found in the Alcântara Maritime Station in Lisbon. The aim was to understand the main decay phenomena to aid future conservation works. The methodology comprised in-situ analyses by technical photography in Vis, Vis-RaK and UVF, p-OM and h-EDXRF; micro sampling; OM, SEM-EDS, μ-XRD, μ-Raman, µ-FT-IR and Py-GC/MS. Preliminary results show that all the paint layers analyzed are affected by salts (alkali sulphates) that over time have caused flacking, lack of cohesion, erosion, and lacunae. The light greenish/greenish bluish paint layers in all three panels are the most affected. No organic binders were identified, only the presence of vinyl polymer in glossy paint surfaces.
A diachronic, multi-analytical approach combining EDXRF, µFTIR, µRaman, SEM-EDS, and Py-GC/MS has... more A diachronic, multi-analytical approach combining EDXRF, µFTIR, µRaman, SEM-EDS, and Py-GC/MS has been adopted with the aim to study for the first time the painting materials used to decorate Egyptian funerary masks and sarcophagi ranging from the Late Period to the Roman Period and stored in the Archaeological National Museum (MNA) and the Carmo Archaeological Museum (MAC) of Lisbon and the Natural History Museum of the University in Oporto (MNH-FCUP). Results indicate that yellow and red ochres, realgar, cinnabar, Egyptian blue, and Egyptian green were used as pigments while chalk served as the preparatory layer. Over the 1000-year timeline of the studied artifacts, the palette remained remarkably consistent with previous findings as exemplified by cinnabar being used for red pigments in samples only dated after the Ptolemaic period. The presence of Sn in Egyptian blue and Egyptian green pigments used in one sample suggests the use of recycled bronze scraps during pigment producti...
Fig ( Ficus carica L.) is an excellent source of sugars, dietary fibers, minerals, vitamins, orga... more Fig ( Ficus carica L.) is an excellent source of sugars, dietary fibers, minerals, vitamins, organic acids and phytochemicals. The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of fig powder supplement, as a natural sweetener and flavoring agent, on the physicochemical, microbiological and sensory characteristics of goat’s milk yogurt. It aimed also to determine antioxidant capacity and volatile profile using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis. Pyrolysis-GC/MS (Py-GC/MS) was also used for the characterization of fig powder. Fig powder exhibited an important antioxidant activity against DPPH. Radical (IC50 = 1.92 ± 0.05 mg per mL). Volatile compounds, from several classes (acids, alcohols, aldehydes, esters, triterpenoids and others) were identified in fig powder. Py-GC/MS data revealed that degradation of fig powder macromolecules leaded to the formation of several aromatic and volatile compounds such as fatty acids, ketones, aromatic phenols, lactones amo...
ABSTRACT The presence of stucco marble in the Portuguese architecture is not surveyed and studies... more ABSTRACT The presence of stucco marble in the Portuguese architecture is not surveyed and studies addressing the materials used to produce it are almost inexistent. In this paper, the results of the multi-analytical characterisation using XRD, SEM-EDS, Py-GC/MS and the determination of capillary water absorption and dynamic modulus of elasticity of 15 samples belonging to seven case studies are presented and discussed. XRD showed that gypsum is the main constituent, but anhydrite is also present in most samples. These results were consistent with the observations by SEM-EDS, attesting temperatures of calcination above 350ºC. The use of a multiphase gypsum plaster as a binder was probably intentional. The treatment of the surfaces, which is used to obtain an aesthetical appearance similar to the natural stone, has also a major influence in the main properties of the final materials. The search for organic compounds showed the presence of animal glues in the inner core and beeswax and oils at the surface. The dynamic moduli of elasticity are extremely high in the samples incorporating anhydrite and the capillary water absorption is almost inexistent. The results obtained intend to contribute to promote sustainable interventions on this type of materials, namely the future development of compatible restoration products.
Abstract This paper reports the results of a multi analytical research undertaken on a mural and ... more Abstract This paper reports the results of a multi analytical research undertaken on a mural and on a panel painting altarpiece authored by Jose de Escovar in 1603, one of the most productive and controversial painters working for Evora Archiepiscopate at the end of the 16th century and beginning of the 17th century. The two paintings are among his first documented artworks in the region and the only case where both are still in their original architectural location - the Chapel of the Souls in the main church of Vila Nova da Baronia (30 km away from the city of Evora). Jose de Escovar is a well-known mural painter but not much is still known about his other skills. To better define his craftsmanship, comparison of technical features and painting materials employed on both supports and paint layers was carried out using a multi-analytical setup for in situ analyses and laboratory characterization. The analytical campaign comprised technical photography (UVF-Vis-IR), portable EDXRF, OM, XRD, SEM/EDS, µ-Raman, µ-FT-IR and py-GC/MS. The results showed that although Jose de Escovar was considered a minor painter, he was clearly acquainted with both painting techniques and the use of different materials in accordance with the pictorial specifications and traditions at the time in Europe.
Abstract.The authenticity and provenience of what is known as the Francisco Pizarro’s Banner of A... more Abstract.The authenticity and provenience of what is known as the Francisco Pizarro’s Banner of Arms, stored at the National Museum of Colombia and related to the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire, has been the object of debate amongst both historians and conservation experts for the last two centuries. In this study, a multi-analytical approach has been adopted to assess if the materials used in the making of the banner were compatible with the historical period assigned by historians. 25 micro samples were collected in different sections of the banner and subjected to microscopic, chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques to characterize the materials. Selected samples were also subjected to radiocarbon dating analysis. Analytical results enabled the identification of silk as the main fabric used in the making of the banner; cochineal, brazilwood and indigo were used as natural dyes while metal threads were utilized for decorative purposes. Paper with animal adhesive was used as the supporting material. The manufacturing technique together with radiocarbon dating data suggest the banner to be an original textile from the 15-16th centuries, possibly made at the time of King Charles I of Spain.
Opuntia ficus‐indica fruits have an important nutritional value and show several biological prope... more Opuntia ficus‐indica fruits have an important nutritional value and show several biological properties. This work studied the fruit physicochemical characteristics of two wild ecotypes (“Green” and “Orange”) and two cultivars (“Rossa” and “Gialla”) from Portugal. The results showed that the largest and heaviest fruits were those from ecotype “Orange,”, whereas the wild ecotype “Green” had fruits with firmer flesh. The fruit peels of cultivars “Rossa” and “Gialla” presented the highest fibre content. Glucose was the major carbohydrate in the fruits, particularly in the peels. Malic acid was the sole organic acid in both peels and pulps of all samples. The betacyanins’ content was higher in fruits of the “Rossa” cultivar, and the higher betaxanthins’ content was present in the peel of the cultivar “Gialla.” Peels of all samples generally had higher amounts of betalains than the pulps. The peel was a better scavenger of DPPH and ABTS free radicals than the pulp. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The wastes of diverse food industries have revealed the presence of bioactive compounds with added value. The fruits of Opuntia ficus‐indica are appreciated for possessing biological attributes, nevertheless the peel generally is not used. The present work shows that the pigments (betalains) are predominantly found in the peel. Moreover, the in vitro antioxidant activity was also higher in this part of the fruit, independent on the ecotype or cultivar studied. Such results might trigger the interest for these residues from which pigments and bioactive compounds can be extracted, and, as extracts, can be used in diverse domains particularly in food and pharmaceutical industries.
Spectrochimica acta. Part A, Molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy, Jan 6, 2017
In this work, a study on a set of paintings from the most significant altarpiece assigned to Mast... more In this work, a study on a set of paintings from the most significant altarpiece assigned to Master Jorge Afonso (c. 1470-1540) painting workshop is presented. This altarpiece is composed by fourteen paintings made to the church of Convento de Jesus, in Setúbal, Portugal, and was made circa 1517-19/1530, according to art-history. This set of paintings is compared to one of the other most important Portuguese altarpieces from the 16th century: the panels of the Round Church of the Convento de Cristo, in Tomar, made circa 1510-1515. The aim of this study is to characterize the wooden support, pigments, ground layers materials and technique used in Jorge Afonso workshop by means of complementary analyses. A dendrochronological approach was made in order to corroborate (or not) the historical date initially assigned. Infrared photography (IRP) and reflectography (IRR) allowed the study of the underdrawing technique and macro photography (MP) was used to recognize overlapping layers tech...
Abstract How to preserve a set of paintings made with European materials and taken to South Asia ... more Abstract How to preserve a set of paintings made with European materials and taken to South Asia in the 16 th century? A set of seven paintings belonging to the first altarpiece of Goa Cathedral now remain in its sacristy. Art history states that these paintings, assigned to the painter Garcia Fernandes, were produced in Lisbon circa 1530 and carried to Goa shortly after, Serrao (2011), Reis-Santos (1957). Presently, the conservation state of the paintings indicates urgent treatment. The most damaged paintings show significant loss of the original chromatic layer. This is mostly due to the high temperatures and relative humidity existing in tropical climates, such as Goa, different from the European. The Baltic oak support is covered with ground layers of calcium suphate, which present fissures and great losses due to the shrinkages of the wood support. The high reactivity of the ground materials to water is also a factor leading to specific material deterioration and degradation mechanisms. In comparison with the paintings of the same period produced in Portugal using the same materials, we verify a much higher degradation of the state of conservation. To access the procedures for preservation and restoration of this set of paintings we must take into account the possible degradation mechanisms of the constituent materials brought by specific environmental factors. This paper discusses the degradation problematic of this specific set of paintings taking into account their particular environment, while bringing results on the materials used. Concluding, this study will allow the knowledge on how to preserve and restore one of the most ancient sets of European paintings in India, kept since the 16 th century in tropical climate.
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