Microscopy and Microanalysis Characterization Techniques used to Investigate Cultural Heritage Materials, Paintings and Pigments

Conservation involves the conservation and preservation of museum objects and historical monuments utilizing compositional and structural information obtained from modern analytical techniques. The conservation of oil paintings requires an understanding of the individual structure of each work of art. This often involves the need for 1) correct identification of the pigments used by the artist, 2) a detailed knowledge of the chemical interactions between these pigments and 3) an understanding of the artist’s method of mixing colours and laying paint on the canvas [1-3].