A combined SR-based Raman and InfraRed investigation of pigmenting matter used in wall paintings: The San Gennaro and San Gaudioso Catacombs (Naples, Italy) case

In the present paper, we report on a recent ultraviolet (UV) Raman study in conjunction with an FTIR absorbance investigation by using synchrotron radiation techniques, performed on wall paintings samples of frescoes, stored in the charming sites of San Gennaro and San Gaudioso Catacombs (Naples, Italy). The main goal was the analysis of the pigmenting materials in order to characterize the pigmenting agents and the binders used by the artists. In this frame, the combined use of both complementary SR-based techniques played a fundamental role. In addition, in principle the characterization of the pigmenting matter could be useful for reproducing similar materials in accordance with the ancient recipes to use in any restoration process.