Immunohistochemical localization and mRNA expression of matrix Gla protein and fetuin-A in bone biopsies of hemodialysis patients

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Diagnostic investigation of the Cycle of the new church of Sarria (Floriana, Malta) by Mattia Preti

In the present paper, we present the main results of a diagnostic investigation on different paintings by Mattia Preti, belonging to the Cycle of the New Church of Sarria, located inside the Church of the Immaculate Conception of Sarria (Floriana) in Malta. The analysis was carried out on the occasion of the restoration process and, due to the short time available, only on some representative areas of each painting. A multi-technique approach was applied in situ, employing X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and Raman microscopy. The aim was to achieve information on the execution technique, in a completely non-invasive way, following the requirements of the restorers.peer-reviewe

Scientific investigation of The Conversion of St Paul painting (Mdina, Malta)

The paper presents the results of two different approaches applied to the newly-restored painting The Conversion of St Paul, the main altarpiece in the Cathedral of Mdina in Malta. This large, dramatic painting is work of the Baroque artist Mattia Preti, il Cavaliere Calabrese. As is normal with a professionally executed restoration, several scientific methods have been used before, during and at completion, in the framework of a global analytical strategy. In particular, we focus on the results of the digital photogrammetric survey which uses image-based approaches for 2D/3D models reconstruction enormously. The model was used to quantify and measure important features on the painting as well extensions of areas restored. In addition, portable Raman spectroscopy was used to identify, in non-destructive way, the nature of the painting materials with the final goal of reconstructing the color palette of the artist.peer-reviewe

Digital reconstruction and scientific analysis prior the restoration of two paintings by Mattia Preti in the Church of the Immaculate Conception of Sarria (Floriana, Malta)

The paper presents the results of scientific investigations carried out in support of a professionally executed restoration on two paintings by Mattia Preti, located in the Church of the Immaculate Conception of Sarria in Floriana, Malta. In particular, the attention was mainly paid on a combined approach, using 2D/3D survey in order to formulate hypothetic reconstruction, and XRF spectroscopy in order to get more information on how the master prepared the various types of materials, with particular regard to the painting preparation, the pigments palette and the formulation of shades and highlights.peer-reviewe

A combined 3D surveying, XRF and Raman in-situ investigation of The Conversion of St Paul painting (Mdina, Malta) by Mattia Preti

This paper presents the results of three different approaches applied to the newly-restored titular painting entitled The Conversion of St Paul, the main altarpiece in the Mdina Cathedral in Malta. This large, dramatic painting is the work of the Baroque artist, Mattia Preti, known as il Cavaliere Calabrese. Here, we focus on the results of the digital photogrammetric survey that adopts image-based approaches for 2D/3D model reconstruction. The model was used to quantify important features of the painting as well extensions of the areas restored. In addition, portable X-ray fluorescence and Raman spectroscopies were used to non-destructively identify the nature of the painting materials, at the elemental and molecular spatial scales, respectively, with the ultimate goal of reconstructing the colour palette of the artist. The 3D model developed here could be applied to other paintings of Preti to conduct comparisons between different measurements in the paintings, with the main goal of clarifying the technique used by the artist. This information, along with the characterisation of the materials used, is crucial for the reconstruction of the historical–geographical context of the artwork, since specific pigmenting agents and media tend to represent the stylistic expression of an artist or an epoque.peer-reviewe

Multi-Technique Diagnostic Investigation in View of the Restoration of <i>“The Glory of St. Barbara”</i> Painting by Mattia Preti

The present paper illustrates the results of a diagnostic investigation performed on the oil on canvas painting “The Glory of St. Barbara” (1680–1688) by Mattia Preti. The painting is located inside the St. Barbara Church in Taverna (Catanzaro, Italy), the city that gave birth to the artist. In situ, non-invasive studies, by applying X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy, along with laboratory micro-destructive analytical investigations, by employing electron probe microanalyses (EPMA) coupled with energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and micro-Raman (µ-Raman) spectroscopy, were combined to retrieve the color palette and identify the painting technique and style of the famous master. As a result of this multi-scale characterization, an extraordinary pictorial technique was revealed, enriching knowledge about one of the oldest pictorial traditions outlined by Mattia Preti, and solving doubts still existing about many of his investigated artworks. Moreover, the achieved results represent useful and essential tools to address management issues of the artwork, by providing valuable information for planning and monitoring future restoration interventions of the canvas

Building materials and decay assessment of the Gerace Cathedral (Reggio Calabria, Southern Italy)

A multi-analytical approach was employed for the first time to study the stone materials, wall paintings and related degradation forms in the Cathedral of Gerace (Reggio Calabria, southern Italy). With an area of around 1898 square meters, the Gerace Cathedral is the largest in Calabria: its construction dates back to the Norman era (between 1085 and 1120), and currently displays distinct features of Greek and Latin architectural orders. Despite having undergone numerous restorations, the church perfectly preserves its original buildings materials. Following an extensive site inspection campaign, supported by the experts dealing with building restoration, several areas were selected for analyses. Both in situ investigations and laboratory tests were carried out on micro-fragments using Non-Destructive and Micro-Destructive Techniques (NDTs and MDTs). The first step involved an inspection through InfraRed Thermography (IRT) in order to map the internal walls of the Cathedral and identify zones with potential degradation phenomena. Subsequently, a more in-depth study was designed based on the thermographic results, and laboratory tests were carried out on micro-fragments and powders to characterize the different kinds of materials (i.e., stones, mortars, plasters and pigments) and decay agents (i.e., salts and efflorescences). Thirty-one samples were subjected to a complementary analytical approach which included Polarizing Optical Microscopy (POM), Ion Chromatography (IC), X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRPD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with microanalysis (EDS). The results allowed us to preliminarily characterize the different materials from which the Cathedral was built, determine its state of conservation and provide a better knowledge of the entire building, revealing details not visible to the naked eye which are important for future conservation interventions. As for the state of conservation, the integrated use of various techniques enabled the detection of rising damp generally correlated with the occurrence of water infiltration and migration phenomena which appear to affect a large part of the building, causing noticeable damage (i.e., loss of surface material, micro-cracks, white salt efflorescence, etc.). The characterization of the materials carried out on mortars, plasters, and pigments also confirmed the local origin of the raw materials. However, the provenance of the studied marbles and crystalline limestones, could not be established and, therefore, further in-depth studies are required

Il Gallo vaticano. Il restauro di una scultura in bronzo dorato

Descrizione dell'intervento di restauro cui è stato sottoposto il Gallo vaticano, del Museo storico artistico del Tesoro di San Pietro, corredato dalle preventive indagini storico-archivistiche riguardo al manufatto in oggett