In situ non-invasive analyses of the painting “Cristo in Trono” (Amalfi, SA, Italy)

In the field of cultural heritage, the use of non-invasive techniques is fundamental for assessing the state of conservation of works of art and identifying the correct strategies for their preservation. The present study regards a preliminary investigation of the painting “Cristo in Trono” (Amalfi, SA, Italy). Non-invasive and portable analytical techniques, such as X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), infrared reflectography (IR-R) and ultraviolet fluorescence (UVF) were used. The XRF measurements revealed the use of some precious pigments such as lapis lazuli and cinnabar, whereas IR-R allows to evidence many restoration interventions confirming the possibility of strong degradation of the painting. This multi-analytical approach provides a first screening of the state of conservation of the pictorial layer of this painting to suggest deeper diagnostic investigations, useful for future restorations.