Application of advanced methodologies to the identification of natural dyes and lakes in pictorial artworks

In the field of diagnostics for cultural heritage the identification of natural lakes in paint micro samples is a real analytical challenge. The combination of efficient chromatographic separation procedures coupled with the use of high resolution detectors, allows obtaining the selectivity and sensitivity required for such research task. In the present thesis is described the methodology and the results of the analytical characterization of a large set of natural organic lakes synthesized in laboratory according to ancient recipes. The study, conducted by High Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to UV-VIS and Tandem Mass Spectrometry detectors, aimed at giving a contribution to the advancement in the wide and complex field of natural dyes research, with a specific focus on the detection and recognizing of lakes in pictorial artefacts.