A Combined Non-Destructive and Micro-Destructive Approach to Solving the Forensic Problems in the Field of Cultural Heritage: Two Case Studies

The present paper discusses the importance of non-destructive and micro-destructive technology in forensic investigations field cultural heritage. Recent technological developments wide availability modern analytical instrumentation are creating new possibilities for performing scientific measurements acquiring data directly on-site—thereby limiting, where possible, sampling activity—as well as learning about technologies materials that were employed past to create assets. Information on periods, chemical composition, manufacturing techniques, etc., can be gathered more easily. Overall, benefits on-site multiple, including potential increase substantially speed efficacy criminal justice system. However, such only realized when quality is guaranteed findings used evidence court. shows from analysis different artworks objects provided by Cosenza Carabinieri Unit Protection Cultural Heritage Anti-Counterfeiting (Calabria, Italy). In particular, two oil paintings canvas depicting cherubs (Italian: putti), recovered fragments larger religious artworks, bronze belt helmet investigated. first case, research aimed define original pictorial layer, identify any reconstruction areas or retouching, assess state conservation, reconstruct previous conservation treatments, provide indications chronology artworks. second was performed both composition origin soil (earth) found within during their recovery. For these purposes, approach involved use follows: infrared reflectography (IRR), ultraviolet-induced visible fluorescence (UV), X-ray (XRF), digital optical microscopy (DOM), scanning electron equipped with EDX microanalysis (SEM-EDX), Fourier transform spectroscopy (FT-IR). results made it possible collect valuable diagnostic information answer questions posed institutions resolution various doubts science cases concerning seizure, recovery, return archaeological historical-artistic interest.