Identificación de aglutinantes proteicos en obras de arte pictóricas cubanas

In this paper were implemented microanalysis methodologies by histochemical analysis, and infra- red spectroscopy to determine the nature of the binder in paintings and Gas Chromatography (GC) coupled to Mass Spectrometry (MS) for identification of protein binders of common use in tempera technique with the aim of having these methods as part of the identification of artistic materials in Cuban cultural heritage carried out by Archaeometry Laboratory of Havana city's Historian Cabinet. The methodologies implemented were evaluated using model samples of traditional painting techniques with variable protein binder: yolk, egg white, casein, nut oil and animal glue; ageing for 5 years. The models samples were correctly identified. It was determined the interfer- ence of pigments with the presence of nitrogen by histochemical analysis with Amido Black dye. IR spectroscopy technique allowed to differentiate between oily and mixed (oil plus protein) techniques and tempera with yolk. Oily technique was identified in wall paintings of the New San Francisco church (xix century) and the Obrapia House (xvii century) and the technique of tempera with animal glue in the polychrome of the xviii century which represents St. John the Evangelist belonging to the San Juan de Letran church.