Mineralogical, petrographic and chemical analyses for the study of the canvas “Cristo alla Colonna“ from Cosenza, Italy: a case study

A multi-technique study on materials used for the painting “Cristo alla Colonna” by Luigi Bria (private collection, Cosenza, Italy) was carried out for the first time during the restoration plan. Pigments, binder media and raw materials used for the application of ground and priming layers were studied using optical (OM) and electronic microscopy equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy qualitativemicroanalysis (SEM-EDS), infrared spectroscopy(FTIR) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The goal of this study was to characterize this canvas and to set up a scientific aid and guide for its restoration, taking into account the, severe damage not exclusively due to natural decay processes. our data can provide information abouthistorical and stylistic background as well as advisesfor correct planning of the cleaning procedures.