Microscopic techniques and a multi-analytical approach to study the fire damage of the painted stuccoes from the Petruzzelli Theatre (Bari, Southern Italy)

Fire-related damage in the surface paint consisted of colour changes and/or disruption of the painted layers due to thermally-induced chemical reactions involving mineral pigments; detachment and burning of the painted layers from the direct action of flames, as well as accumulation of combustion deposits on the surface were also observed.