Analytical characterisation of the biodeterioration of diterpenoid labdanic varnishes used in pictorial techniques: Sandarac and Manila copal

Abstract The deterioration produced by fungal and bacterial growth on the sandarac and Manila copal, diterpenoid varnishes traditionally used as art materials, was evaluated by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), and pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (Py–GC–MS). Test specimens, coated with a solidified thin layer of the studied varnishes, were inoculated and incubated with selected fungi and bacteria obtained from collections and oil paintings affected by biodeterioration, and analysed by the above mentioned techniques. Significant changes were detected, showing evidence of deterioration processes caused or favoured by some of the studied microorganisms.