Towards the non-invasive proteomic analysis of cultural heritage objects

We recently developed a new method that uses a functionalized film, which non-invasively extracts the proteins from different surfaces, for the identification of proteinaceous materials or binders from precious and ancient artworks. In this research, we demonstrate the efficacy of the method on varnished wood panels and canvases. We also show the application of this method to several historical samples. In particular, we discuss the results obtained from the analysis of: a polychrome wooden altarpiece of the XIV century, a polychrome sandstone capital, a rare polychrome alabaster, several wood medieval and renaissance panels (Pietro Gallo, Jean Bapteur, Defendente Ferrari, Martino Spanzotti, Gerolamo Giovenone) and a detached fresco by Antoine de Lonhy. Through the use of this method we were able to identify the binders from a rare sample of painted leather casket from a Parisian manufactory (beginning of XIV century) and from a Tuscan wooden reliquary. Moreover, by adopting the quantitative analysis, we discovered different artistic techniques used to paint two different areas of an “a secco” painting from Reggia di Colorno (Italy). In conclusion, this study reports the first use of this non-invasive method for the characterization of proteins from a wide range of ancient objects belonging to the world Cultural Heritage without the need to transport or micro-invasively sampling the artifacts.