Analytical Study to Monitor the Effectiveness of a Combined Liquid-Dispensing and Micro-aspiration System for the Cleaning of Modern Oil Paintings

Abstract

An integrated system for the controlled-delivery and micro-aspiration of aqueous solutions for cleaning sensitive painted surfaces has been developed and evaluated. The system relies on a simple syringe-driver device, providing a constant and controllable flow of aqueous solution directly onto the cleaning brush and a surgical micro-aspirator outfitted with a variety of accessories for removing the cleaning solution from the surface through suction. By drastically decreasing the contact time of the aqueous solution, diffusion is greatly reduced, thereby minimizing swelling and possible disruption to sensitive surfaces as well as reducing the risk of the leaching of binding medium components. The aim of this study was to analytically evaluate these risks on an unvarnished oil painting from the late 1970‘s. Cotton swabs from aqueous cleaning, applied as per traditional swab rolling and through the controlled delivery/micro-aspiration were analyzed using X-ray Fluorescence (XRF). Untreated and treated (cleaned) paint areas were then sampled and analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) for changes to fatty acid profiles.