Spectroscopic Techniques for The Investigation of Sicilian Cultural Heritage: Two Different Applications

Abstract

The present work shows the application of different spectroscopic techniques, already widely tested and daily used in the research on molecular structure, to the study of problems of artistic and archaeological interest. In particular, we dealt with two themes, both related to artefacts belonged respectively to Calabrian area and Sicilian area: Greek ceramic samples coming from archaeological excavations of Locri and an Ancient fresco from Acireale Cathedral painted by Pietro Paolo Vasta. In both cases is well known the relevance of the connected employment of different complementary methodologies which use different probes (visible light, infrared radiation, X-rays) and the synergy of different specialist competence in various fields of knowledge: Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Archaeology and Petrography. In particular this cooperation is able to give right answers to many initially unsolved questions regarding diverse points of view such as the art history, the humanist and scientific questions as well. Generally speaking, the knowledge of the materials involved in the artistic and cultural patrimony allows a better understanding of the civilizations so that suitable restoration and conservation methods are of fundamental importance. Moreover the conservation and the transfer of the ancient culture to future generations is supposed to be necessary.