Investigation of environmental factors causing the deterioration of Safavid period murals : Iran (1501-1736 AD)

Abstract

inting was introduced to Iran via a cultural exchange between Iran and . fuvid period (1501-1736 AD). A European influence is reflected in the ~ ir a.ted in Isfahan, a city in central Iran, which played an important role in niklD art. The damage, for example to those paintings in the Ali Ghapoo and . alaces and Sukias House, has occurred because of the impact of .tMtunt tn tors on the paintings and has been ongoing for the last 400-500 years light microscopy (LM), polarised light microscopy (PLM), Fourier transform copy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (M/EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) in conjunction with contemporary ti es that existed in the Safavid period were the main tools used to identify the colour palette and other components) and techniques used in the paintings were used in conjunction with conductivity tests to investigate the degradation of llolnti1:1gs and their supporting plaster and the role of environmental factors, particularly n of salt crystals, chiefly sulphates and carbonates. These are shown to have important role in the deterioration of the paintings. limate records and local measurements of humidity, temperature and UV light ut to an explanation of the degradation of the paintings. Measurements of humidity, ruture and light on the site and their comparison with local metrological organisation U ur ments show high impact of environmental factors surrounding the surface of the IlItill s where the occurred damage is higher. This is because the semi-arid climate of 1111/,111111 is particularly deleterious to oil paintings and has caused flaking of the paint layers. '1'111.' study shows how an interdisciplinary approach incorporating art history, technical and -uvunnmental studies and a range of instrumental analyses can help, first, to tackle a dq~r;ldation problem in conservation science. This approach has, moreover, led to the d Iscllvery of unknown aspects of the paintings, amending the existing state of knowledge. It 'lI\l)wS the presence of (Lapis Lazuli) Lazurite, Ochre-bitumen, Yellow ochre, Orpiment, ( irccn earth, Copper resinate, Bitumen, Lead white, Gold as used pigments.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo