Studio Redivivus

At Studio Redivivus we use Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) technique to examine pigments, fibers, and other particles at high magnification.

A tiny sample - often invisible to the naked eye - is mounted on a glass slide and analyzed under transmitted polarized light using two polarizing filters.

By observing how materials interact with light, conservators can study physical and optical characteristics.

PLM is particularly valuable for the identification of pigments and textile fibers, helping us determine material composition.

While highly sensitive and powerful, PLM relies on expert visual analysis and comparison with reference standards. It remains an essential tool for investigating the microstructure of materials.

Stay tuned for the next post in our series, where we’ll explore another powerful imaging technique used in conservation!

To request an analysis or a report, contact: [email protected].

NEW: Elemental Mapping with ELIO XRF at Studio Redivivus
We’re excited to announce a major upgrade to our technical investigation capabilities:

Our studio now offers analysis with the ELIO Portable MA-XRF Spectrometer — a state-of-the-art tool for non-invasive, high-resolution elemental mapping.

ELIO XRF operates on the same principle as traditional XRF, but instead of analyzing a single point, it generates an elemental map of a larger area. This allows us to obtain detailed information across the surface and even from deeper layers of an artwork. The analysis can be carried out directly on-site, without the need to move or physically touch fragile objects. This makes it possible to study and preserve artworks more safely, efficiently, and with greater precision.

🔍 What can ELIO reveal?
✔️ Hidden layers and underdrawings
✔️ Insights for authentication and provenance research
✔️ Faded pigments and elemental composition
✔️ Restoration histories
✔️ Material documentation for conservation planning

Stay tuned for the next post in our series, where we’ll explore another powerful imaging technique used in conservation!

Available for museums, private collections, conservators, and institutions on request.

📧To request an analysis or a report, contact: [email protected].

📊📈📉

Facing

In emergency situations-when a painting is in an unstable state or has actively flaking paint-immediate full treatment may not be possible. In such cases, a temporary measure called facing is applied to protect the surface until consolidation can take place. However, this is not a universal method and cannot be applied to all types of paintings.

At Redivivus, we use Japanese paper for this technique. The paper is gently adhered to the surface using a reversible adhesive, acting as a protective barrier that holds paint fragments in place. This prevents further loss during transport or handling.

Facing is an effective first step in selected cases where vulnerable artworks require emergency stabilization.

More on our conservation methods at www.redivivus.nl

Technique