AN OVERVIEW OF ANALYTICAL TECHNIQUES AND METHODS FOR THE STUDY AND PRESERVATION OF ARTISTIC AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL BRONZES

Authors

  • Rocco Mazzeo University of Bologna, Department of Chemistry, Microchemistry and microscopy art diagnostic laboratory (M2ADL), Via Guaccimanni 42, Ravenna (Italy)
  • Silvia Prati University of Bologna, Department of Chemistry, Microchemistry and microscopy art diagnostic laboratory (M2ADL), Via Guaccimanni 42, Ravenna (Italy)
  • Marta Quaranta University of Bologna, Department of Chemistry, Microchemistry and microscopy art diagnostic laboratory (M2ADL), Via Guaccimanni 42, Ravenna (Italy)
  • Giorgia Sciutto University of Bologna, Department of Chemistry, Microchemistry and microscopy art diagnostic laboratory (M2ADL), Via Guaccimanni 42, Ravenna (Italy)

Keywords:

archaeological bronzes, metallography, corrosion, authentication

Abstract

The present review intends to give an overview on the type of information that is possible to gather from the application of different non-invasive and micro-destructive analytical techniques. Typically, methods that require the withdrawal of a sample, such as metallography, SEM-EDS, AAS, FTIR and Py-GC-MS are employed. Through their use, it is possible to identify the material constitution, to evaluate the degradation behaviour and the state of conservation of excavated bronze artefacts. It is also underlined how a non-invasive approach might be used whenever no sampling is allowed, though some limitation should be considered. Furthermore, analytical techniques play an important role in the characterisation and evaluation of the effectiveness of protective coatings and corrosion inhibitors before and after restoration procedures.

An interesting aspect is the implication of science for the recognition of forgeries, when analytical studies provide evidences able to prove or deny objects’ authenticity

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Published

2023-07-27

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 2 (2012)

Section

Articles