Primum Non Nocere. Digital Radiography (X-Ray) of the Plafond (“Aurora”), by Jean Pierre Norblin De La Gourdaine, in Light of the Multifaceted Conservation Issues of the Temple of Diana in Arkadia

This article presents the reasons initiating the search for new X-ray imaging solutions for the recognition and prevention of the monument in the light of a retrospective of the ongoing conservation, renovation and construction activities at the world-class building of the Temple of Diana in Arkadia, including the priceless “Aurora” plafond by Jean Pierre Norblin de la Gourdaine. It shows how the state of preservation of wall paintings is inextricably linked to the state of preservation of the building and the environmental conditions within it. The issues presented point out to the benefits of the implementation of modern, non-invasive imaging techniques, even in such complex conditions of access to the examination site in the spatial layout of the architecture. After analyzing the architectural plans of the Temple of Diana, X-ray imaging of the plafond of selected parts of the composition was performed according to the developed examination methodology. A methodology for imaging the entire painting was also prepared, allowing the examination of any size part of the plafond, depending on the needs and possibilities for the implementation of the undertaking. High-end X-ray equipment with digital recording of the results, in fact, gave the possibility of very accurate recording of the state of preservation of the painting at the level of its carrier – the substrate made of various materials of plaster, wood and metal. Such records are used for comparative analysis of the condition assessment of the plafond after a repeated examination performed at the same site, which is a monitoring activity that influences the taking of preventive measures. The X-ray examination results proved to be helpful in light of emergency rescue works that allowed the dome to be decompressed and damaged beams to be replaced. The cooperation of specialists from a number of fields made it possible to develop a program and introduce measures to monitor the state of preservation of the painting's bearing structure necessary in connection with the roof replacement.