We are engaged in scientific research in the field of cultural heritage.
We perform materials research for restorers and conservators and for artistic and historical evaluation.
We focus on mineralogical analysis and the application of geological sciences in the field of public art.
We investigate the interactions of inorganic and organic components of the painting and how they are affected by external conditions.
We provide survey of artworks for restorers and expertise for collectors.
Non-invasive methods are standard in cultural heritage survey nowadays.
Analyses of the micro-samples give deep insight into stratigraphy and composition of artworks.
The most interesting examples of what we do.
ALMA's analytical strategy brought a number of surprising results - copies and forgeries were distinguished, the originality or secondary modification of signatures was proved, retouches and over-paintings were located, highly specific pigments were identified (e.g. Purple of Cassius).
In early 16th century the wealth of the Spiš region originated mainly from the flourishing mining industry; in the workshop of Master Paul it was predominantly manifested by the richness of gilding and silvering employing various techniques and metal foils.
In the Baroque period, coloured clays were largely used for painting preparations – the grounds, and as they were cheaply available in many places, it did not make any sense to transport them on a longer distance.