Simone Baiocco

Dr. Simone Baiocco


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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22 December 2024 in Molecules
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MLMaria Labate
Maria Labate
Maurizio AcetoMaurizio Aceto
Maurizio Aceto
GCGiacomo Chiari
Giacomo Chiari
SBSimone Baiocco
Simone Baiocco
LOLorenza Operti
Lorenza Operti
AAAngelo Agostino
Angelo Agostino
Azurite, a natural mineral pigment consisting of basic copper carbonate (2CuCO3·Cu(OH)2), is one of the Middle Ages’ most common blue pigments. Why paintings originally coated with azurite appear blackened today remains debated. Using a non-invasive multi-analytical approach, the study analysed several unexpectedly black-appearing details (objects such as books or clothing such as veils, robes, or mantles) in Antoine de Lonhy’s works. The aim was to investigate if the black colour was due to intentional iconographic reasons, incautious restoration work, or painting deterioration. The analytical results displayed the presence of the blue pigment azurite, therefore, the expected original colour of various areas should be blue. To shed light on the discussion regarding the blackening, several other Renaissance paintings with similar black details were analysed, all from the same period and geographic area as de Lonhy’s works and conserved under identical conditions. The reasons why the blackening takes place are still unclear. However, the combined use of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectrophotometry with optical fibres (FORS), portable X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the elemental mapping based on the XRF data revealed that these blackened areas were originally painted with azurite, suggesting they were once blue. This finding significantly changes the overall appreciation of these artworks.