Articolo in rivista, 2016, ENG, 10.1177/0003702815616736

Painted fiberglass-reinforced contemporary sculpture: Investigating composite materials, techniques and conservation using a multi-analytical approach

Salvadori, Barbara; Cantisani, Emma; Colombini, Maria Perla; Colombini, Maria Perla; Tognon, Cecilia Gaia Rachele

ICVBC-CNR; Universita di Pisa

A multi-analytical approach was used to study the constituent materials, manufacturing technique, and state of conservation of a contemporary sculpture. This sculpture, entitled Nuredduna, was created by Aligi Sassu in 1995 and is located in the "Bellariva garden" in Florence (Italy). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), optical and electronic microscopy (OM and SEM-EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) highlighted the multi-layered structure of the statue: fiberglass and an overlay of different layers (gel coat) applied with an unsaturated polyester resin added with aggregate materials and bromine compounds. A top-coat in acrylic black varnish, used as a finish, was also found. The combination of these materials with their different compositions, environmental impact, and even vandalism have negatively affected the state of conservation of Nuredduna, causing the loss of strata in its lower parts (legs and feet).

Applied spectroscopy 70 (1), pp. 174–185

Keywords

Contemporary art, Degradation, Fiberglass, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Gel coat, Glass microspheres, Glass-reinforced polyester, Sculpture

CNR authors

Salvadori Barbara, Cantisani Emma, Colombini Maria Perla

CNR institutes

ICVBC – Istituto per la conservazione e valorizzazione dei beni culturali, ISPC – Istituto di Scienze del Patrimonio Culturale