Confocal microscopy has only recently been applied to Art Conservation. Rachel Barker (now at the Tate Gallery), John Chad (Southampton University), are exploring the utility of CLSM and developing protocols suitable for analysis of fine art paintings. The system being used is an MRC-600 CLSM (Biorad) equipped with a Krypton Argon laser giving available excitation wavelengths of 488nm (blue), 568nm (yellow) and 647nm (red). An argon ion laser produces 351nm (UV).
Jan Hackaert's oil painting 'A view of the Avenue at the Hague' (Dutch ca.1675) was analysed prior to conservation at Southampton City Art Gallery. To maximise our knowledge of the structure, and to assist documentation and conservation, we have undertook a preliminary study of the use of confocal laser scanning microscopy. The purpose of the study was to develop techniques and methodologies for the non- destructive, computer-based, 3-D structural analysis of the paint films and canvas in samples taken from the Hackaert painting and other works. The project was a collaboration between Southampton City Art Gallery and the Biosciences Imaging Group at the University of Southampton.
references:
JANE, S. D., BARKER,R.E. & CHAD, J. E. (1996). Confocal Microscopy and Art Conservation. Microscopy and Analysis 55, 31
BARKER,R., CHAD,J.E. & JANE, S.D. (1997)
Preliminary Research into the Applications of Confocal Microscopy
as an Investigative Tool for the Examination of Painting Materials.
The Picture Restorer 11:8-11
For further information contact John Chad via email -- jchad@soton.ac.uk