# An Advanced Multi-Analytical Approach to Study Baroque Painted Wood Sculptures from Apulia (Southern Italy)

## TL;DR

This study used advanced techniques to analyze Baroque wood sculptures from Apulia, revealing materials and methods used in their creation and restoration.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a multi-analytical method combining several techniques to study Baroque painted wood sculptures in Southern Italy.

## Key findings

- Stratigraphic sequences and pictorial layers were identified using optical and elemental analysis.
- Organic components like siccative oils, animal glue, and egg were detected in the paint layers.
- The study helped distinguish original paint from later repainting, aiding conservation efforts.

## Abstract

Three painted valuable wood sculptures from conventual collections in Apulia (Southern Italy), made between the beginning of the 17th century and the first half of the 18th century, were studied to shed light on the pictorial materials and techniques of the Neapolitan Baroque sculpture in Southern Italy. A multi-analytical approach was implemented using integrated micro-invasive techniques, including polarized light microscopy (PLM) in ultraviolet (UV) and visible (VIS) light, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and pyrolysis–gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry (Py-GC/HRMS). The stratigraphic sequences were microscopically identified, and the pictorial layers were discriminated on the basis of optical features, elemental compositions, and mapping. Organic components were detected by FTIR as lipids and proteinaceous compounds for binders, while terpenic resins were detected as varnishes. Accordingly, PY-GC/HRMS identified siccative oils, animal glue, egg, and colophony. The results allowed the identification of the painting techniques used for the pictorial films and the ground preparation layers and supported the distinction between original and repainting layers. The results of this multi-analytical approach provide insights into Baroque wooden sculpture in Southern Italy and offers information to support restorers in conservation works.