0000000000544246
AUTHOR
C. Polese
X-ray fluorescence investigation of gilded and enamelled silver: The case study of four medieval processional crosses from central Italy
Abstract The presence of multilayered structures is common in such cultural artefacts as paintings, corroded metals, objects that underwent a whatever form of surface qualification. One of the most usual and complete ways to investigate such structures is observing a cross section, which requires sampling. There are however situations where at least part of the stratigraphic information can be derived non-destructively: the literature shows that X-ray fluorescence (XRF) has frequently been used, in recent years, for this purpose, with special regard to paintings and gilded metals. Aim of this paper is to further explore the suitability of XRF-based techniques to characterise multilayered st…
Non-destructive Approach to Multilayer Objects: XRF Analysis of Gilt and Enamelled Metals of the Medieval Cross of Rosciolo
Abstract The penetration of X-rays is usually a limitation to the application of XRF analysis to multilayered materials, however it is possible, by software tools based on the fundamental parameters method, to overcome this problem and estimate thickness and composition of each layer. The cross of Rosciolo is a significant example of multilayer object: it is made of a wood core with attached gilt silver sheets and decorated with enamels. Measurements were carried out in situ and the PyMCA software was employed. The values of gilding thickness, Au/Hg ratios and Cu content in the silver sheets, and enamel's composition are discussed.