Gallone Archive

Type Collection

Summary Description: The Archive consists of more than 600 technical reports and about 12 000 micro-samples taken from Italian and European paintings (e.g., by Giotto, Raffaello, Piero della Francesca, Bellini, Mantegna, Leonardo da Vinci, etc), but also from wooden and stone artefacts, mosaics, pottery, archaeological objects, and textiles, of chronology between the Eneolithic and the end of the XX century. These materials were collected by Antonietta Gallone (1928-2015), physics researcher at the Politecnico, during several decades of activity. Her job consisted of compositional analyses and morphological observations to improve the knowledge on materials, techniques, and on the state of conservation of Cultural Heritage objects. This precious material had a relevant role in gaining a better understanding of the painting techniques and has been largely used during the restoration of masterpieces such as the Leonardo’s Last Supper and the Giotto’s Scrovegni chapel in Padua.

Extent

Object type: Book
Building
Cross-section
Easel painting
Mosaic
Mural painting
Musical instrument
Painting
Photograph
Rock art
Sample
Sculpture
Slide
Tapestry
Thin-section
Vestment

Material type: Bronze
Building related material
Ceramic, glass, enamel
Copper
Organic synthethic material
Paper
Photographic paper
Pigment
Salt
Stone
Stucco
Textile, fabric, dyes
Wood

Geographic Distribution: Italy, San Marino, France, Egypt, United States of America, Russian Federation

Statement of Significance: The Gallone Archive constitutes a unique resource for future research in the field of conservation. With the availability of thousands of micro-samples taken from artworks, it provides a wide range of knowledge related to the Italian and European Cultural Heritage and the possibility of investigating these samples in a later stage through micro-invasive and non-destructive techniques. The main aim of the Archive is to provide access to cutting-edge tools for an interdisciplinary community of researchers and users, supporting advancements in Conservation Science.

Access requirements: The Gallone Archive catalogue is available online. Currently, it is possible to browse through the archive repertoire of samples and reports, thanks to a platform still under development. In the future the webpage will be enriched with pictures of the artworks studied and graphs referred to the investigations (e.g., cross section microphotography, spectra, and other raw data). Currently, it is possible to request scientific documentation via e-mail; in the next future an access system will be introduced to allow the download of the material concerning the inquiry, respecting the access and data reproduction policies. The Gallone Archive is currently accessible for consultation by appointment. The access to the physical samples is allowed following a protocol; researchers must demonstrate a legitimate need. Scientific proposals will be evaluated in case of request for analyses.

Keywords: Archaeology
Architecture
Archives
Art History
Conservation
Documentation
Non-destructive technique
Restoration

External link