The Secret of Eleonora d'Aragona: Non-Invasive Analysis on Marble Bust by Francesco Laurana to Trace the Original Colours

During the restoration work of the famous Busto di Gentildonna, known as Eleonora d'Aragona (by Francesco Laurana, 15th century), belonging to the Renaissance statuary collection of the Regional Gallery of Sicily Abatellis Palace in Palermo (Italy), archaeometric studies have been carried out to investigate the evidence of original colour layers. These analyses have allowed us to prove and highlight the presence of pictorial materials and inclusions on the precious marble by this famous Italian Renaissance sculptor, deepening his painting technique. The measurements have been performed in situ through the integrated use of two non-invasive techniques: visible fluorescence stimulated by ultraviolet light and X-ray fluorescence. Moreover, in order to monitor the superficial colour changes during the cleaning treatments with laser and check the chromatic levels to achieve, spectrophotometric investigations have been also carried out.