Supported projects

The deterioration of wall paintings depends notably on preservation conditions – specifically the degree of exposure to heat, humidity, pollutants, and natural or artificial light. During their time in the laboratory, the intern will build upon results previously obtained through DIM PAMIR funding for two Master’s-level interns. They will be tasked with establishing protocols for the long-term, accelerated artificial aging of mode( paint samples (protein binders applied to an inert substrate) – both with and without various pigments – under differing temperature and humidity conditions. The proteins within these samples will be analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) and capillary electrophoresis to detect any potential protein modifications. The degradation kinetics of several protein binders combined with various mineral pigments will be investigated, focusing particularly on milk caseins and vitellogenins, for which analysis methods are already established in the laboratory. The intern will also develop a method for identifying animal glue using UHPLC-MS/MS.

Legend: “Presentation at the Temple.” Mural. Church of Lacroix-sur-Meuse