The images display a series of analytical data coming from the observation of gilded surfaces or composites using different microscopic (SM, OM, AFM, SEM) or tomographic techniques (microCT).

The microscopic observation at different magnifications is a useful tool for preliminary characterization of surfaces and successively can be complemented with other techniques for having a complete view of the stratigraphic structure of the layers the surface gilding. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is one technique that can trace the surface profile of a sample and associate it with roughness and other surface parameters.

Cross-section based methods such as the optical microscopy (OM) under visible (Vis) and fluorescent radiation or scanning electron microscopy (SEM) can offer precious information on the sequence of layers, their colour, granulometric and other physical parameters, fluorescence pattern of organic materials, elemental mapping on each layer for identifying inorganic components etc.

Micro-computerized tomography (microCT) in particular is quite interesting in creating dynamic visualization and virtual interpretation of the microstructure of a sample, from the surface to the inner phases.