Results of the fatigue tests performed on 70 specimens
Year: 2026
Type: dataset
Abstract: Eighteenth century pastel paintings consist of loosely bound powdery layers, placing them at high risk of vibration-induced particle loss during museum transport. Despite historical and contemporary records of such damage, quantitative thresholds for safe handling and exposure limits remain undefined. To address this, the present study investigates the cumulative damage mechanisms, conceptually approached as mechanical fatigue, of pastel layers subjected to continuous cyclic loading. Using historically representative mock-ups mounted under controlled biaxial tension, laboratory vibration tests were conducted at resonance frequencies. The experimental failure data were used to construct Displacement–Number of cycles (D-N) curves, inspired by traditional S-N (Wöhler) curves commonly found in materials testing. The results provide quantitative evidence that cumulative vibration exposure causes progressive pastel loss, with failure occurring significantly earlier at higher displacement amplitudes. Furthermore, pigment morphology might play a critical role: fine-grained pastels (white and pink) demonstrated longer fatigue lives than those with coarse, flat grains (black). While fixatives initially improved mechanical resistance, this protective effect was compromised after accelerated ageing under fluctuating relative humidity. Ultimately, this research provides quantitative fatigue data for pastel layers, offering a foundation for risk assessment and the future development of evidence-based transit guidelines.
Source: Figshare
Author: Leila Sauvage
Language: English
Subfield: Archeology (arts and humanities)
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7204703369