Egyptian black bronze; Roman Corinthian bronze; Thermal patina; Ion beam analyses; X-ray microdiffraction
Abstract :
[en] This paper describes microstructural analyses by X-ray portable diffraction and microdiffraction
on intentional patina of the bronze museum objects from antique Egypt and the Roman Empire.
They bring evidence of the presence in the true black bronze patinas of metallic gold and/or silver
presumably as nanoparticles. Three other Egyptian patinas not belonging to black bronze are
characterised. Apparent black patination on a Roman scalpel handle is discussed. The discovery
of a new patination procedure on Roman artefacts from the Louvre museum is also related, based
on intentional high temperature oxidation to obtain a dark patina on a lead bronze object. A
presence of lead carbonate cerussite is an important observation.
Disciplines :
Physical, chemical, mathematical & earth Sciences: Multidisciplinary, general & others
Author, co-author :
Aucouturier, Marc; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - CNRS > Laboratoire du Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France - UMR 171
Mathis, François ; Université de Liège - ULiège > Centre européen en archéométrie
Robcis, Dominique; Ministère de la Culture et de la Communication > Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France
Castaing, Jacques; Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - CNRS > Laboratoire du Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France - UMR171
Salomon, Joseph; Ministère de la Culture et de la Communication > Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France
Pichon, Laurent; Ministère de la Culture et de la Communication > Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France
Delange, Elisabeth; Musée du Louvre
Descamps, Sophie; Musée du Louvre
Language :
English
Title :
Intentional patina of metal archaeological artefacts; a non-destructive investigation of Egyptian and Roman museum treasures
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