The Examination and Conservation of a Chiaroscuro Woodcut: Antonio da Trento's Martyrdom of Two Saints, a Case Study

Antonio da Trento's chiaroscuro woodcut, Martyrdom of Two Saints, ca. 1527–1530, was acquired by the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in 2012 as part of a larger study of Italian Renaissance chiaroscuro woodcuts. Analysis of the print by noninvasive and micro-invasive methods including technical imaging, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, microfade testing, Raman spectroscopy, and fiber optics reflectance spectrometry characterized the pigments in the printing inks. The results of the scientific studies, coupled with extractions, color spectrophotometry, and spot testing, were used to develop a treatment protocol for the Martyrdom, while considering conservation issues particular to chiaroscuro woodcuts.