Combined Use of Non-Destructive Analysis Techniques to Investigate Ancient Bronze Statues
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Non-destructive portable techniques for the analysis of cultural heritage items are essential for enhancing our understanding of these objects and providing valuable information for potential restoration interventions. This paper presents a combined use of pulsed thermography, X-ray fluorescence, and Raman spectroscopy to investigate the ancient bronze "Il Togato", yielding complementary information concerning the techniques used for creating this artefact and its conservation status. Specifically, thermographic analysis has highlighted the presence of many patches of different size used for emending superficial cast defects, weldings used to connect parts separately cast to the main structure, cracks, and defects located in the bronze thickness. On the other hand, XRF provided information on the composition of the gilding which characterises the statue, and supplied an estimate of its thickness through the use of a stratification model. Additionally, Raman spectroscopy has been applied to identify corrosion products. The experimental results presented in the paper provide a comprehensive knowledge of the bronze under investigation and assess the effectiveness of the portable non-destructive techniques employed in the analysis.
Source: Sensors
DOI: 10.3390/s25061727
Institutions: National Research Council, University of Rome Tor Vergata
Language: English
Subfield: Archeology
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W4408339469