Analytical and Microbiological Study of two 19th Century Ambrotypes

Abstract

The study here presented aimed to characterize two ambrotypes from the 19th century and some of their degradation patterns using an in-situ analytical approach, minimally invasive, composed by technical photography and optical microscopy under different illumination, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy coupled (SEM-EDS) and micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (μ-FT-IR). Microbiological colonization was evaluated, and the enzymatic activity of isolated fungal strains was tested. One ambrotype was produced on a ruby glass containing manganese while bitumen was used for the background on the other. Retouching of jewellery with a gold-based ink was investigated. Both ambrotypes presented several patterns of physical and chemical degradation probably due to inappropriate handling and storage.