Antique Underwater Treasures Endangered
Stereomicroscope Reveals Destructive Work of Marine Sponge
Contact and Information
Gianfranco Priori, Istituto Superiore per la Conservazione e il Restauro (ISCR), Rome, ItalyGpriori.icr@beniculturali.it
Istituto Superiore per la Conservazione e il Restauro (ISCR)
www.icr.beniculturali.it
Image Gallery
All images: © ISCR
- Fig 1 Mosaic floor: Mosaic floor in the underwater park of Baiae: The limestone tesserae show distinct sings of destruction by Cliona celata.
- Fig 2 Mosaic detail: The ancient mosaiques are obscured by thick colonies of animal and vegetable organisms that are gradually destroying the material.
- Fig 3 Mosaic: Living individuals of cliona celata in situ.
- Fig 4 Leica MZ12: Gianfranco Priori uses the stereomicroscope to examine the bore holes on the surface and also the interior penetration pattern of the sponge.
- Fig 5-8 stereomicroscopic images: Stereomicroscopic images of tesserae sections showing the system of holes and tunnels made by the endolithic sponge.
- Fig 6 stereomicroscopic image
- Fig 7 stereomicroscopic image
- Fig 8 stereomicroscopic image
- Fig 9 Diver: In the winter months the endangered mosaics are protected by a geofrabric.
- Fig 10 Mosaic after restoration: An antique mosaic floor after restoration.
