Integrating Scientific Analysis and Conservation Techniques in the Preservation of Painted Artifacts
A special issue of Heritage (ISSN 2571-9408).
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 202
Special Issue Editors
Interests: preventive conservation; documentation; textiles; icons; easel paintings
Interests: conservation science; paintings; physicochemical research; pigments; binders
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: imaging techniques; technical photography; conservation science; non-destructive analysis; conservation of panel paintings (icons); easel paintings
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The scientific analysis prior to any interventive or preventive conservation of painted artifacts—ranging from panel paintings to polychrome sculptures—demands an integrated, science‑driven approach that balances analytical rigor with conservation practicality. This Special Issue aims to unify contributions that bridge scientific analysis and conservation methods to safeguard painted cultural heritage. We welcome original research, case studies, reviews, and methodological innovations that highlight imaging techniques, non-invasive and micro-analytical methods, photogrammetry, 3D reconstruction and interventive or preventive methods applied to important historical artifacts. This Special Issue seeks to present a multi-disciplinary dialog, inspiring conservation scientists, conservators and collection keepers with effective conservation techniques—enhancing both our understanding and stewardship of painted cultural heritage for future generations.
This Special Issue aims to address theoretical, practical and fundamental research devoted to the study of interventive and preventive conservation in painted objects from a broad range of perspectives. Contributions are therefore invited, but not restricted, on the following topics:
- In situ conservation of painted artifacts;
- Non-invasive approaches to the study of paintings (microscopy, spectroscopy, imaging, etc.);
- Micro-invasive analytical techniques (mass spectrometry-based techniques, etc.);
- Development of new scientific strategies for pigments, bind medium or varnish investigation;
- VOCs and display in a collection context;
- Monitoring indoor environmental parameters;
- Light sensitivity and display;
- Case studies focusing on panel paintings, easel paintings or polychrome objects;
- Conservation techniques and challenges.
Dr. Christos Karydis
Dr. Eleni Kouloumpi
Dr. Agathi Anthoula Kaminari
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Heritage is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- preventive conservation
- interventive conservation
- scientific analysis
- conservation science
- panel paintings
- easel paintings
- polychromes
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