ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT: The microbiological study of the paintings in the Low Choir of the Convent of Nossa Senhora da Saudação Church allowed the characterisation of several bacterial strains (bacilli and cocci), filamentous fungi belonging to the genera Cladosporium, Penicillium and Nectria, several mycelia and yeast strains of the genera Rhodotorula. Proliferation of filamentous fungi on the painting was detected by scanning electron microscopy in microfragments of mortars. It was possible to observe the penetration of fungal hyphae in the microstructure of the mortars that may be responsible for cracking and detachments in some areas of the painting.
