Removal of synthetic resins through a chloroform-based pretreatment for a correct radiocarbon dating of restored artworks

摘要

In Archaeometry, the collaboration among different specialists can be very useful to solve problems of authentication and to characterize the artworks. This cooperation is also recommended in radiocarbon dating. Before dating, for example, it is important to be aware of possible restorations undergone by the artworks and, in particular, which products have been used, since they may represent a source of contamination altering the obtained date. In fact, these products are generally organic compounds, thus representing an addition of exogenous carbon, which must be completely removed. In this paper, the case of the removal of synthetic resins will be discussed. The issue of contamination by synthetic resins will be presented using two case studies: the wooden frame of a Trittico by Ambrogio Lorenzetti and a painting on canvas of the first decades of the XX century