Emma Cantisani | National Research Council (original) (raw)
Papers by Emma Cantisani
The Argentario peninsula, sited in Southern Tuscany, already attended by Etruscans and inhabited ... more The Argentario peninsula, sited in Southern Tuscany, already attended by Etruscans and inhabited by the Romans, during the XIIth century became property of the Aldobrandeschi family whose domains were extended to the whole Southern Tuscany. In 1414 Argentario and the neighboring territories passed under the rule of the Republic of Siena which built a first system of fortifications against the barbarians. In 1557 all the Senese territories passed to Cosimo I de� Medici allied with the Spanish crown which reserved for himself a small coastal strip comprising Orbetello, Talamone, Argentario, Capalbio and part of the Elba island, forming the State of Presidi. The military connotation of the territory was improved, building new coastal towers and numerous fortresses. In this contribution, the study of the building materials (ashlars and bedding mortars) of two selected towers (Capodomo and Calamoresca), is presented trying to find the relationship with the local supply in stones for lime...
Archaeometry, 2007
In December 1998, during excavation for the construction of a new building near San Rossore railw... more In December 1998, during excavation for the construction of a new building near San Rossore railway station in Pisa, the remains of ancient ships were discovered. These findings have been dated (radiocarbon) to between the end of the 10th century BC and the fifth century AD (Belluomini et al. 2002). Several transport amphorae belonging to the Hellenistic ship, samples of rocks (stone ballast) belonging to ships B, D and the Hellenistic ship, and stowage materials belonging only to ship B have been analysed. The mineralogical and petrographic data of the investigated samples provided information on the possible provenance of the raw materials utilized in the manufacture of the ceramic amphorae, as well as on the provenance of the rock materials found in the ships as ballast and stowage. The compositional data (obtained through XRD, XRF, OM and EPMA) and their statistical analyses suggest that the provenance of the Dressel amphorae belonging to the Hellenistic ship was the Middle Tyrrhenian coast of Italy, and more precisely the area between Tarquinia and Naples, according to the numerous kilns and wine production sites found in this area. The provenance of the volcanic rocks was from southern Tuscany, northern Latium and possibly the Pontine Islands, whereas the intrusive rock possibly comes from the Calabrian-Tyrrhenian coast and/or the Peloritani area. The impure limestones and the dolostone come from southern Tuscany and the Latium coast; the semi-metamorphic rocks could come from the coast of southern Tuscany, the Tuscan Archipelago or possibly also from the Ligurian coast; only the sample of mylonitized granitoid possibly comes from either the Calabria-Peloritani arc or the Tuscan Archipelago. The stowage materials, consisting of lapilli and scoria of a pyroclastic nature, are sourced from the Neapolitan area. These data might shed some light on the centres of production of the amphorae and of the trading routes followed by the ships, according to the ports of call.
Applied Sciences
The study of structural masonry joined to geohydrological hazards in cultural heritage represents... more The study of structural masonry joined to geohydrological hazards in cultural heritage represents a multidisciplinary theme, which requires consideration of several aspects, among them the characterization of the materials used. In this paper, a first complete chemical, minero-petrographic, and physico-mechanical characterization of core samples taken from the masonry of two Florence riverbanks (Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli and Lungarno delle Grazie) is performed in order to identify the raw materials, technologies, and state of conservation and to support the planning of maintenance and restoration interventions. The physico-mechanical characterization of the riverbanks allows their stability to be determined. Such investigations allow identification of the level of compactness and cohesion of masonry; this information is useful for planning emergency interventions and for supporting planned restoration activities. The results provide valid support for the design of riverbank safety p...
Cristofanello Palace, situated in Cortona (Arezzo) and projected by the architect Cristofanello, ... more Cristofanello Palace, situated in Cortona (Arezzo) and projected by the architect Cristofanello, is one of the most important buildings of the tuscan town. The building, subjected to different restoration phases, is an example of the different approaches to the restoration of a public building. The present paper highlights the problems arising from the treatment of some sandstones with specific mineralogical, petrographycal and physical characteristics and underlines the need of a monitoring of the intervention, in order to avoid any emergency's situation. The paper shows also the praxis that must be carried out in the case of a scientific and technical support to a restoration project.
Applied Sciences
The present work comprises the application of a multi-analytical strategy based on the combinatio... more The present work comprises the application of a multi-analytical strategy based on the combination of several non-destructive and micro-invasive methodologies for the examination of the glazed tiles from the tomb of Benozzo Federighi made by Luca della Robbia. The marble tomb is framed by flat glazed terracotta tiles, each ornamented with naturalistically depicted flowers. The tiles are assembled like an “opus sectile” and their background is gilded. The leaf is incorporated on the top of the glaze, differently by traditional gilding technique as in previous glazed works of della Robbia. The identification methodology integrates the results from spot analyses such as UV-vis reflectance spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence, with those obtained on tiny samples by X-ray diffraction, electron microscopic observations, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and firing temperature analysis. The adopted analytical protocol allowed us to clarify peculiarities of the arti...
Episodes, 2021
Pietraforte sandstone is the building material of the Medieval Florence (Italy). This was due to ... more Pietraforte sandstone is the building material of the Medieval Florence (Italy). This was due to the proximity of its quarries to the city, its availability, ease extraction from the quarry face and to the particular characteristics of durability of the stone, suitable for the buildings and monuments cladding. Florence can be defined as a city in Pietraforte, and this makes it necessary its detailed characterization. The paper reports the geological setting of the Pietraforte sandstone, the mineralogical-petrographic characterization, the physical parameters and also a mineralogical method (based on clay minerals association) for the identification of the source quarries of the most important historical buildings. The knowledge of this lithotype allowed to better understand its decay phenomena.
Minerals, 2021
In this paper, the advances in the use of optical and electronic microscope for study of the mine... more In this paper, the advances in the use of optical and electronic microscope for study of the minero-petrographic and microchemical features of lime binders of ancient mortars are discussed for various case studies. Mortars belonging to several historic periods and with different functions in building structures and archaeological sites were selected in order to verify the complementarity of optical and electronic microscope analyses applied to these artificial materials. The data obtained with the application of optical and microscope analyses were able to provide detailed and more precise information on the composition, structure, and texture of lime binders, highlighting the features of air hardening calcitic lime binder, air hardening magnesian lime binder, natural hydraulic lime binder, and air hardening binders with materials providing hydraulic characteristics added. Furthermore, a complete analysis and classification of the lime lumps was determined.
Spectrochimica acta. Part A, Molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy, 2017
Samples from Keith Haring's wall painting of the Necker Children Hospital in Paris were studi... more Samples from Keith Haring's wall painting of the Necker Children Hospital in Paris were studied by a multi-analytical protocol. X-ray fluorescence (XRF), powder X-ray diffraction (XRDP), Electron microscope (SEM-EDS), Infrared and Raman spectroscopy (μ-FT-IR and μ-Raman) measurements were performed in order to characterize the materials and to identify the art technique used to produce this contemporary work. Materials from the mural suffered from severe detachments of materials and several fragments were found on the ground beneath. Some of these fragments, which were representative of the whole palette and stratigraphic sequence, were collected and studied. The fragments were sufficiently large to enable non-invasive measurements to be performed in order to characterize the materials. A comparison of the data of the techniques applied revealed that Haring's palette was composed of organic pigments such as Naphtol red, phthalocyanine blue and green and Hansa yellow, in acco...
The Analyst, 2019
Red stains are a common discolouration on stone cultural heritage all over the world.
Microchemical Journal, 2018
The composition of the ancient wax-based painting technique known as encaustic has long been the ... more The composition of the ancient wax-based painting technique known as encaustic has long been the subject of debate. Ancient sources provide few details of the technology, and modern understanding of the medium is restricted to theoretical interpretation and experimental observation. In this multi-analytical collaborative study, a number of analytical approaches were used to investigate the physical and molecular properties of a range of experimentally prepared encaustic paints before and after ageing. Analysis using gas chromatography mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (invasive and non-invasive), X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated how differences in the technology of production alter the properties and composition of the medium and showed how these are modified by the addition of pigment and the effects of ageing. Comparison of results from the different analytical techniques highlights the benefit of an integrated analytical approach to the analysis of ancient encaustic paints and the fundamental importance of insights from invasive study to evaluating the results of non-invasive analysis.
ISPRS - International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, 2017
The tomb of Seti I (KV17) is a magnificent example of New Kingdom funerary architecture, among th... more The tomb of Seti I (KV17) is a magnificent example of New Kingdom funerary architecture, among the longest tombs in the Valley of the Kings. As part of a collaboration between the Egyptian Museum in Florence, the University of Florence and CNR, a survey project was launched, with non-invasive methods, on the fragments from the Seti I tomb, in Florence, coming from a gate jamb connecting the chamber F to the corridor G, taken by the franco-tuscan expedition in 1829. The primary goal is to achieve the best level of documentation, knowledge of the material history and conservation assessment. Preliminary results allowed to focus some steps of the history of this fragment, from its realization to the present. The digital documentation created an excellent support for the mapping and management of the collected information. Even if still on a preliminary phase, this study shows how the combination of imaging and spectroscopic techniques allowed the characterization of many materials and ...
Journal of Archaeological Science, 2016
The provenance of the marbles used for ten Niobids sculptures discovered at Rome in 1583 and now ... more The provenance of the marbles used for ten Niobids sculptures discovered at Rome in 1583 and now at the Uffizi Galleries in Florence has been determined using a well-established multi-method approach including isotopic, petrographic and EPR data. An eleventh sculpture (inv. 304) that is not part of the original group but has been long associated with it has also been investigated. The results partly confirm the belief that the marble of several Niobids is Pentelic, but also identify statues such as the Niobe group, the elder Niobid and others that were made using Asiatic marbles from Docimium and G€ oktepe. Sculptures still considered to be Pentelic are, in fact, Asiatic, whereas statues that were assumed to be Asiatic are Pentelic. Marble data support the opinion that different ateliers contributed to the work and group the sculptures in agreement with the results of stylistic analysis as proposed by various scholars. Provenance data in connection with archaeological and art-historical results allow to formulate possible hypotheses on the way this famous and complex group of sculptures was assembled.
European Journal of Mineralogy, 2016
The aim of this paper is to identify the mechanisms responsible for the chromatic alteration of P... more The aim of this paper is to identify the mechanisms responsible for the chromatic alteration of Pietra Serena sandstone, the stone used in Florentine Renaissance architecture. This stone has a bluish-grey colour when fresh, but is often oxidized acquiring an ochre-brown or reddish colour on buildings. A mineralogical, chemical, petrographic and physical characterization was carried out on the blocks of Pietra Serena used for the Waldensian Church, located in the centre of Florence, showing a characteristic reddish colouring, and on samples from the quarry from which these blocks were extracted. Micro-Raman and SEM-EDS analyses were performed on the red surfaces of the samples in order to highlight the mineralogical and chemical transformations. The results confirmed that the chromatic alteration of Pietra Serena is caused by the mobilization of Fe 2+ (prevalent in the clay minerals that make up the matrix of this sandstone and in aluminosilicates such as biotite), which is easily oxidized to Fe 3+ in an oxidative environment. This is a consequence of a particular condition of decay, such as the presence of water, CO 2 , low pH.
Arkos: scienza e restauro dell'architettura, 2005
Close Document Image Close Document Printer Image Print This Document! Conservation Information N... more Close Document Image Close Document Printer Image Print This Document! Conservation Information Network (BCIN). Author: Tiano, Piero; Cantisani, Emma Title Article/Chapter: "Precipitazione bioindotta di calcite per la conservazione ...
The Argentario peninsula, sited in Southern Tuscany, already attended by Etruscans and inhabited ... more The Argentario peninsula, sited in Southern Tuscany, already attended by Etruscans and inhabited by the Romans, during the XIIth century became property of the Aldobrandeschi family whose domains were extended to the whole Southern Tuscany. In 1414 Argentario and the neighboring territories passed under the rule of the Republic of Siena which built a first system of fortifications against the barbarians. In 1557 all the Senese territories passed to Cosimo I de� Medici allied with the Spanish crown which reserved for himself a small coastal strip comprising Orbetello, Talamone, Argentario, Capalbio and part of the Elba island, forming the State of Presidi. The military connotation of the territory was improved, building new coastal towers and numerous fortresses. In this contribution, the study of the building materials (ashlars and bedding mortars) of two selected towers (Capodomo and Calamoresca), is presented trying to find the relationship with the local supply in stones for lime...
Archaeometry, 2007
In December 1998, during excavation for the construction of a new building near San Rossore railw... more In December 1998, during excavation for the construction of a new building near San Rossore railway station in Pisa, the remains of ancient ships were discovered. These findings have been dated (radiocarbon) to between the end of the 10th century BC and the fifth century AD (Belluomini et al. 2002). Several transport amphorae belonging to the Hellenistic ship, samples of rocks (stone ballast) belonging to ships B, D and the Hellenistic ship, and stowage materials belonging only to ship B have been analysed. The mineralogical and petrographic data of the investigated samples provided information on the possible provenance of the raw materials utilized in the manufacture of the ceramic amphorae, as well as on the provenance of the rock materials found in the ships as ballast and stowage. The compositional data (obtained through XRD, XRF, OM and EPMA) and their statistical analyses suggest that the provenance of the Dressel amphorae belonging to the Hellenistic ship was the Middle Tyrrhenian coast of Italy, and more precisely the area between Tarquinia and Naples, according to the numerous kilns and wine production sites found in this area. The provenance of the volcanic rocks was from southern Tuscany, northern Latium and possibly the Pontine Islands, whereas the intrusive rock possibly comes from the Calabrian-Tyrrhenian coast and/or the Peloritani area. The impure limestones and the dolostone come from southern Tuscany and the Latium coast; the semi-metamorphic rocks could come from the coast of southern Tuscany, the Tuscan Archipelago or possibly also from the Ligurian coast; only the sample of mylonitized granitoid possibly comes from either the Calabria-Peloritani arc or the Tuscan Archipelago. The stowage materials, consisting of lapilli and scoria of a pyroclastic nature, are sourced from the Neapolitan area. These data might shed some light on the centres of production of the amphorae and of the trading routes followed by the ships, according to the ports of call.
Applied Sciences
The study of structural masonry joined to geohydrological hazards in cultural heritage represents... more The study of structural masonry joined to geohydrological hazards in cultural heritage represents a multidisciplinary theme, which requires consideration of several aspects, among them the characterization of the materials used. In this paper, a first complete chemical, minero-petrographic, and physico-mechanical characterization of core samples taken from the masonry of two Florence riverbanks (Lungarno degli Acciaiuoli and Lungarno delle Grazie) is performed in order to identify the raw materials, technologies, and state of conservation and to support the planning of maintenance and restoration interventions. The physico-mechanical characterization of the riverbanks allows their stability to be determined. Such investigations allow identification of the level of compactness and cohesion of masonry; this information is useful for planning emergency interventions and for supporting planned restoration activities. The results provide valid support for the design of riverbank safety p...
Cristofanello Palace, situated in Cortona (Arezzo) and projected by the architect Cristofanello, ... more Cristofanello Palace, situated in Cortona (Arezzo) and projected by the architect Cristofanello, is one of the most important buildings of the tuscan town. The building, subjected to different restoration phases, is an example of the different approaches to the restoration of a public building. The present paper highlights the problems arising from the treatment of some sandstones with specific mineralogical, petrographycal and physical characteristics and underlines the need of a monitoring of the intervention, in order to avoid any emergency's situation. The paper shows also the praxis that must be carried out in the case of a scientific and technical support to a restoration project.
Applied Sciences
The present work comprises the application of a multi-analytical strategy based on the combinatio... more The present work comprises the application of a multi-analytical strategy based on the combination of several non-destructive and micro-invasive methodologies for the examination of the glazed tiles from the tomb of Benozzo Federighi made by Luca della Robbia. The marble tomb is framed by flat glazed terracotta tiles, each ornamented with naturalistically depicted flowers. The tiles are assembled like an “opus sectile” and their background is gilded. The leaf is incorporated on the top of the glaze, differently by traditional gilding technique as in previous glazed works of della Robbia. The identification methodology integrates the results from spot analyses such as UV-vis reflectance spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence, with those obtained on tiny samples by X-ray diffraction, electron microscopic observations, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and firing temperature analysis. The adopted analytical protocol allowed us to clarify peculiarities of the arti...
Episodes, 2021
Pietraforte sandstone is the building material of the Medieval Florence (Italy). This was due to ... more Pietraforte sandstone is the building material of the Medieval Florence (Italy). This was due to the proximity of its quarries to the city, its availability, ease extraction from the quarry face and to the particular characteristics of durability of the stone, suitable for the buildings and monuments cladding. Florence can be defined as a city in Pietraforte, and this makes it necessary its detailed characterization. The paper reports the geological setting of the Pietraforte sandstone, the mineralogical-petrographic characterization, the physical parameters and also a mineralogical method (based on clay minerals association) for the identification of the source quarries of the most important historical buildings. The knowledge of this lithotype allowed to better understand its decay phenomena.
Minerals, 2021
In this paper, the advances in the use of optical and electronic microscope for study of the mine... more In this paper, the advances in the use of optical and electronic microscope for study of the minero-petrographic and microchemical features of lime binders of ancient mortars are discussed for various case studies. Mortars belonging to several historic periods and with different functions in building structures and archaeological sites were selected in order to verify the complementarity of optical and electronic microscope analyses applied to these artificial materials. The data obtained with the application of optical and microscope analyses were able to provide detailed and more precise information on the composition, structure, and texture of lime binders, highlighting the features of air hardening calcitic lime binder, air hardening magnesian lime binder, natural hydraulic lime binder, and air hardening binders with materials providing hydraulic characteristics added. Furthermore, a complete analysis and classification of the lime lumps was determined.
Spectrochimica acta. Part A, Molecular and biomolecular spectroscopy, 2017
Samples from Keith Haring's wall painting of the Necker Children Hospital in Paris were studi... more Samples from Keith Haring's wall painting of the Necker Children Hospital in Paris were studied by a multi-analytical protocol. X-ray fluorescence (XRF), powder X-ray diffraction (XRDP), Electron microscope (SEM-EDS), Infrared and Raman spectroscopy (μ-FT-IR and μ-Raman) measurements were performed in order to characterize the materials and to identify the art technique used to produce this contemporary work. Materials from the mural suffered from severe detachments of materials and several fragments were found on the ground beneath. Some of these fragments, which were representative of the whole palette and stratigraphic sequence, were collected and studied. The fragments were sufficiently large to enable non-invasive measurements to be performed in order to characterize the materials. A comparison of the data of the techniques applied revealed that Haring's palette was composed of organic pigments such as Naphtol red, phthalocyanine blue and green and Hansa yellow, in acco...
The Analyst, 2019
Red stains are a common discolouration on stone cultural heritage all over the world.
Microchemical Journal, 2018
The composition of the ancient wax-based painting technique known as encaustic has long been the ... more The composition of the ancient wax-based painting technique known as encaustic has long been the subject of debate. Ancient sources provide few details of the technology, and modern understanding of the medium is restricted to theoretical interpretation and experimental observation. In this multi-analytical collaborative study, a number of analytical approaches were used to investigate the physical and molecular properties of a range of experimentally prepared encaustic paints before and after ageing. Analysis using gas chromatography mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (invasive and non-invasive), X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated how differences in the technology of production alter the properties and composition of the medium and showed how these are modified by the addition of pigment and the effects of ageing. Comparison of results from the different analytical techniques highlights the benefit of an integrated analytical approach to the analysis of ancient encaustic paints and the fundamental importance of insights from invasive study to evaluating the results of non-invasive analysis.
ISPRS - International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, 2017
The tomb of Seti I (KV17) is a magnificent example of New Kingdom funerary architecture, among th... more The tomb of Seti I (KV17) is a magnificent example of New Kingdom funerary architecture, among the longest tombs in the Valley of the Kings. As part of a collaboration between the Egyptian Museum in Florence, the University of Florence and CNR, a survey project was launched, with non-invasive methods, on the fragments from the Seti I tomb, in Florence, coming from a gate jamb connecting the chamber F to the corridor G, taken by the franco-tuscan expedition in 1829. The primary goal is to achieve the best level of documentation, knowledge of the material history and conservation assessment. Preliminary results allowed to focus some steps of the history of this fragment, from its realization to the present. The digital documentation created an excellent support for the mapping and management of the collected information. Even if still on a preliminary phase, this study shows how the combination of imaging and spectroscopic techniques allowed the characterization of many materials and ...
Journal of Archaeological Science, 2016
The provenance of the marbles used for ten Niobids sculptures discovered at Rome in 1583 and now ... more The provenance of the marbles used for ten Niobids sculptures discovered at Rome in 1583 and now at the Uffizi Galleries in Florence has been determined using a well-established multi-method approach including isotopic, petrographic and EPR data. An eleventh sculpture (inv. 304) that is not part of the original group but has been long associated with it has also been investigated. The results partly confirm the belief that the marble of several Niobids is Pentelic, but also identify statues such as the Niobe group, the elder Niobid and others that were made using Asiatic marbles from Docimium and G€ oktepe. Sculptures still considered to be Pentelic are, in fact, Asiatic, whereas statues that were assumed to be Asiatic are Pentelic. Marble data support the opinion that different ateliers contributed to the work and group the sculptures in agreement with the results of stylistic analysis as proposed by various scholars. Provenance data in connection with archaeological and art-historical results allow to formulate possible hypotheses on the way this famous and complex group of sculptures was assembled.
European Journal of Mineralogy, 2016
The aim of this paper is to identify the mechanisms responsible for the chromatic alteration of P... more The aim of this paper is to identify the mechanisms responsible for the chromatic alteration of Pietra Serena sandstone, the stone used in Florentine Renaissance architecture. This stone has a bluish-grey colour when fresh, but is often oxidized acquiring an ochre-brown or reddish colour on buildings. A mineralogical, chemical, petrographic and physical characterization was carried out on the blocks of Pietra Serena used for the Waldensian Church, located in the centre of Florence, showing a characteristic reddish colouring, and on samples from the quarry from which these blocks were extracted. Micro-Raman and SEM-EDS analyses were performed on the red surfaces of the samples in order to highlight the mineralogical and chemical transformations. The results confirmed that the chromatic alteration of Pietra Serena is caused by the mobilization of Fe 2+ (prevalent in the clay minerals that make up the matrix of this sandstone and in aluminosilicates such as biotite), which is easily oxidized to Fe 3+ in an oxidative environment. This is a consequence of a particular condition of decay, such as the presence of water, CO 2 , low pH.
Arkos: scienza e restauro dell'architettura, 2005
Close Document Image Close Document Printer Image Print This Document! Conservation Information N... more Close Document Image Close Document Printer Image Print This Document! Conservation Information Network (BCIN). Author: Tiano, Piero; Cantisani, Emma Title Article/Chapter: "Precipitazione bioindotta di calcite per la conservazione ...