Preparación de secciones estratigráficas: Aspectos práticos del análisis de estratos en obras del Patrimonio Cultural (pigmentos y soportes)

Abstract

The stratigraphic sections (cross-sections) are of valuable utility for scientific studies concerning samples coming from Cultural Heritage materials. This paper aims to show several indications and orientations as a working methodology that allows an easy, economic and versatile procedure of simultaneous preparation concerning these stratigraphic sections. Several steps must be followed: a) initial preparation of samples using (poly)metacrylate bars; b) consolidation using a polymer; c) cutting; d) polishing; e) observation using optical microscopy and photography. The main practical aspects involved in the stratigraphic a nalysis are described. In particular, pigments and supports are used as illustrative examples. It is pointed out the importante of stratigraphic preparations, which must be representative of the material if a diagnosis or approximation to the conservation-degradation state of the original artwork piece is being pursued. This is very important prior to a second step of restauration and conservation by other specialists. Moreover, the preparation of stratigraphic sections open the possibility of further studies using several techniques applied in materials science analysis, obtaining relevant results concerning texture, chemical and phase composition of these samples of Cultural Heritage.