Non-Destructive Testing of Art Objects

With increasing emphasis on understanding the history and traditions coupled with an international focus on preserving heritage, the recent decades have seen the emergence of cultural heritage science as a new discipline. Preservation, restoration, and conservation of cultural heritage requires characterization of the objects, a deep knowledge of the original materials by which an art work was created and their interactions with the environment coupled with a coherent team effort involving scientists, engineers, art historians, archeologists, and conservators. The most appropriate and holistic approach is through synergistic use of non-destructive testing (NDT) methods combined with analytical techniques and physical forms of examination. This article provides a bird’s eye view on the application of established conventional and advanced (1) NDT methods such as radiography and computed tomography using X- and gamma-rays, neutrons and synchrotron radiation for providing the internal details, structure including constituent and morphological elements and sequence of fabrication and repair with better spatial resolutions of art objects and (2) microdestructive testing for choosing samples, micro-analytical methods such as XRD and XRF which provide materials characterization through chemical composition, phase, crystal structure, etc., and hence an insight into degradation mechanism and possible conservation approaches. Typical international case studies have also been indicated. The article clearly highlights that a multi-disciplinary approach combining NDE with analytical methods and optical cum interferometric techniques is the road map for robust authentication, restoration, and conservation and a better understanding and appreciation of the science and technology of cultural heritage.