DIAGNOSE Daguerreotypes

The DIAGnostica NOn invaSIva e conservazione di daghErrotipi e altri materiali fotografici (DIAGNOSE) project aims to innovate diagnostic systems and conservation methodologies for photographic heritage — including daguerreotypes, photographic plates, and films — held in prestigious Italian archives such as the Commissione Vinciana fund at Museo Galileo, the Fondazione Alinari fund at the Opificio delle Pietre Dure (OPD), and the OPD photographic collection. Recognizing the irreplaceable historical and artistic value of these materials, the project develops non-invasive optical techniques for the analysis of composition, surface morphology, and stratigraphy, minimizing the need for physical sampling. The diagnostic protocols developed within DIAGNOSE integrate advanced imaging and spectroscopic technologies, 3D micro- and macro-surveying, and coherent optical tomography, and are coupled with innovative conservation methods such as laser cleaning of daguerreotypes and consolidation of protein-based materials. The project is carried out by a multidisciplinary partnership including CNR-INO, OPD, Museo Galileo, and the company El.En., fostering the training of early-career researchers and producing transferable protocols applicable beyond photographic heritage, including contemporary art. The project is cofunded by the Tuscany Region POR FSC 2014-2020 Axis A Employment, Giovanisì (Grant Agreement: CUP B53D21008070008), and it was conducted between 2022 and 2024.