An Odyssey Through Time at EMPA

Authors

  • Marianne Senn Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research (EMPA), Oberlandstr. 129, CH-8600 Dübendorf
  • Wim Devos Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research (EMPA), Oberlandstr. 129, CH-8600 Dübendorf
  • Walter Fasnacht Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research (EMPA), Oberlandstr. 129, CH-8600 Dübendorf
  • Thomas Geiger Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research (EMPA), Oberlandstr. 129, CH-8600 Dübendorf
  • Françoise Michel Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Testing and Research (EMPA), Oberlandstr. 129, CH-8600 Dübendorf
  • Axel Ritter EMPA, Lerchenfeldstr. 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen
  • Giuseppino Fortunato EMPA, Lerchenfeldstr. 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2533/chimia.2001.931

Keywords:

Archaeometallurgy, Archaeometry, Art conservation, Artists' pigments

Abstract

For years EMPA has made many contributions to research on historical materials and their manufacture and conservation in archaeology, restoration and the preservation of historical monuments; areas that are somewhat exotic for a materials testing and research institute. This involves complex, preferably non-destructive investigations on objects that are often very valuable by means of organic and inorganic analysis methods. The emphasis is on investigations of paints and varnishes on paintings and metals such as gold, silver, copper, bronze and iron. The analysis of various materials and the associated problems are illustrated by a range of examples.

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Published

2001-11-28

Issue

Section

Scientific Articles