"Last Supper" by Leonardo will have to save on travel
Painting by Leonardo da Vinci's "Last Supper" has survived the bombing of World War II, and air pollution, one of the worst in Europe. But the main threat to masterpieces of the connections that bring the tourists in their own skin.
An international team of scientists analyzed samples of airborne particles inside and outside the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie in Milan, where in 1490's Leonardo wrote his famous fresco.
It was found that the newly installed ventilation system at the entrance to the church is really a work of art protected from soot and other stuff. But inside the refectory was found to be surprisingly high level of squalane - compounds emitted by plants, the human skin and cosmetics. Plants in there, so the only source - the visitors, said study co-author Nancy Dyer of the University of Southern California (USA).
Scientists have also recorded the fatty acids - may be made of wax, which in ancient times was used for the restoration of paintings. Squalane and fatty acids are deposited on the dust, and with it stuck to the wall, contaminating the mural.
Apparently, tourists should wash their hands.
The results will be published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.
Based on the materials ScienceNews.
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