Technological research of Serhiy Shyshko’s graphic arts

Technological research of eight Serhiy Shyshko’s drawings from the artist's family was carried out. The technique of graphic arts and the composition of the paper supports were identified by optical and physics-chemical methods. The degradation level of drawings’ paper due to the natural aging and storage conditions was established. All the drawings were made with a graphite pencil by combining the techniques of working with the tip and the side surface of the pencil with shading. It was shown that ultraviolet fluorescence examination of drawings’ support could be useful method for making preliminary conclusions about the fiber composition of the paper and the presence of fillers. It was figured out that prolonged storage of drawings in the picture-framing mats caused paper destruction due to the influence of backing board material. The pulp fiber composition and binder of the Serhiy Shyshko’s drawing supports as well as the type of fillers, and the mineral coating composition were determined by optical microscopy, X-ray fluorescence analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. It was established that most of the drawings are created on drawing paper made of cotton pulp. The paper of the three drawings is made mainly of wood pulp. Rag fibers were found in the paper composition of 1930s–early 1940s drawings. Gum glue was identified as a binder of paper supports. It was determined that kaolin is the main filler of paper’s pulp and coating. The composition of the drawings’ supports was analyzed. It was demonstrated the necessity of an integrated approach using physical and chemical methods for the determination of the chemical elements’ origin in particular titanium, in the paper composition. The results of Serhiy Shyshko’s drawings’ technological research are introduced into scientific circulation for the first time. This article fills the gaps in the study of Shyshko's heritage and encourages further comprehensive research of his graphic arts. The composition changes in the paper support of different chronological periods were established. These data are important for dating graphic works of unknown creation time and clarifying the attribution of Ukrainian artists’ drawings.