The Analysis of Bronze Alloys from the Equestrian Statue of Marco Aurelio by Means of a Thin Sample XRF Technique

The choice of the methods that can be employed in the elemental characterization of archaeological alloys strongly depends on the type, state of conservation and dimensions of the object. The present article describes the analytical approach used for the bronze equestrian statue of Marco Aurelio, for which "in loco" nondestructive analyses could not be performed. The technique is based on the XRF analysis of samples that were previously cored from the statue in small quantities (200 mg), dissolved and deposited on a support in the form of a thin layer. The article also shows some of the results concerned with the analysis of approximately 100 samples; such results were found to be in good agreement with the typical compositions of ancient bronzes.