ABSTRACT
This comparative study focuses on identifying the best intervention methodology for small limestone sculptures from Heliopolis that hold traces of red ochre, part of the Museo Egizio di Torino collection. After a thorough characterization diagnostic campaign using non-invasive investigations (XRF and SEM-EDS), original constitutive materials have been identified and a set of preliminary tests were carried out by employing traditional methods and three different types of Nd:YAG lasers (Q-Switch, Long Q-Switch and Short Free Running). The selected method successfully uncovered painted, as well as unpainted, surfaces with minimized risk of damage achieving a gradual, controlled, and selective cleaning.
