Seite - 276 - in The Vienna Genesis - Material analysis and conservation of a Late Antique illuminated manuscript on purple parchment

276 Conservation of the Vienna Genesis and the new storage system mapped. Most miniatures required at least a few local consolidation measures. The most ex- tensive consolidation was necessary on folio 1, page 1, folio 11, page 21, and folio 14, page 27, while no consolidation was required on folios 7, page 14 and 17, page 33. It was possible to mechanically remove the pieces of pressure sensitive tape without damaging the surface of the parchment. A blunt scalpel was used for this purpose. On every folio, the tapes adhering to the two upper edges were removed (Fig. 1). On folio 3, page 6, folio 13, page 26, folio 14, page 28, and on folio 16 on both pages, the pressure sensitive tapes could also be mechanically removed (Fig. 32). After completing the conservation measures, the folios of the Vienna Genesis were digitised with a camera (Microbox) at the Department of Digital Services55. Mounting and new storage system We wanted to change the storage between two polyacrylate sheets, as it prevents close examination and has adverse effects on the folios. There is limited air exchange in the closed package, potentially increasing the concentration of degradation products. The parchment is immobilised as pressure is applied on the folios. Furthermore, the polyacryl- ate’s electrostatic charge can cause damage to the paint layer and the ink. As the sheets have yellowed, they change the visual appearance of the manuscript. The original surface of the folios is not accessible and is visually distorted with this type of mounting. A simple storage system was sought as the folios would continue not to be exhibited. The folios should be accessible from both sides yet with as minimal manipulation as pos- sible. The use of hinges attached with an adhesive should be avoided or kept at a min- imum. No tension should be applied to the edges due to the fragility of the corroded areas. 55 Veronika Wöber, Department of Digital Services, Austrian National Library. Fig. 32: Removal of pres- sure sensitive tapes on folio 3, page 6, before and after treat- ment. Open-Access-Publikation im Sinne der CC-Lizenz BY 4.0