NUKLEONIKA 2012, 57(4):627-631

 


X-RAY TECHNIQUES IN THE INVESTIGATION OF A GOTHIT SCULPTURE: THE RISEN CHRIST



Anna Mikołajska1, Małgorzata Walczak1, Zofia Kaszowska1,
Małgorzata Urbańczyk Zawadzka2, Robert P. Banyś2

1 Faculty of Conservation and Restoration of Works of Art, Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków,
27/29 Lea Str., 30-052 Kraków, Poland
2 Center for Diagnosis Prevention and Telemedicine, John Paul II Hospital,
80 Prądnicka Str., 31-202 Kraków, Poland

For over a century, X-ray radiation has played an important role in the area of the conservation and restoration of cultural heritage objects. X-ray techniques are amongst the most fundamental and helpful methods used in the investigation of art works. This paper reviews the application of traditional radiography, X-ray dual source computed tomography (DSCT) and scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersed X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) to the investigation of a wooden, Gothic sculpture, The risen Christ. Thanks to the properties of X-ray radiation (different absorption by various materials) first two methods allow the assessment of the preservation state and the observation of the internal structure of an object in 3-D. While SEM-EDX analysis permits the elemental analysis of the polychrome layers. As a result 2-D and 3-D images, permitting the full volume inspection of an object, were taken in a totally non-destructive way. The morphological and physical information about the inner structure of the investigated wooden sculpture was obtained, revealing changes related to previous restorations, as well as ageing effects. Employing the SEM-EDX, painting materials (pigments and filers), were identified. Gained data is essential for restorers to understand the whole structure of the studied object and to decide which further investigation and restoration steps have to be undertaken.

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