Unravelling and predicting degradation of canvas paintings: a multiscale and multiphysics framework

Introduction

Predicting the degradation of canvas paintings is not only one of the grand challenges in the field of art conservation but also a major scientific problem. Canvas paintings experience complex instability, fracture, and degradation mechanisms across several length scales triggered by the interaction between multiple physical fields. These degradation processes impact the appearance, integrity, and longevity of the painted surfaces and are thus a paramount concern for heritage conservators.

Proposal Overview

This proposal targets a novel integrated computational-experimental framework that aims to realize a breakthrough in predicting the lifespan of canvas paintings by unravelling the underlying multiscale and multiphysics processes that affect their appearance and integrity.

Methodology

VANGOGH departs from developing advanced numerical multiscale and multiphysics models formulated within the framework of computational mechanics. These models will:

1. Describe the complex constitutive response of paint and canvas materials.
2. Analyze their effect on the degradation of canvas paintings under the coupled influence of:
   • Moisture diffusion
   • Thermal conduction
   • Mechanical deformation
   • Fracture and instability mechanisms

The modelling framework will be fully integrated with a novel non-invasive multiscale experimental strategy combining quantitative mechanical testing and in-situ microscopic observations on original paint and canvas samples.

Expected Outcomes

The synergetic computational-experimental approach will advance the mechanistic understanding of the fundamental origin of the most critical failure scenarios in canvas paintings as a function of environmental variations and structural conservation treatments.

This will allow for the first time to quantitatively predict the degradation and thus the lifetime of canvas paintings.

Significance

The proposed integration of computational and experimental multiscale mechanics with art conservation will provide a paradigm shift in the scientific approach to cultural heritage preservation.