Lo studio della qualificazione superficiale con la fluorescenza a raggi X, appendice in Due piedini di bronzo argentato dal Colle Aventino

During operations of rescue archaeology conducted in a private property on the Aventine Hill, a significant discovery was made. An Ancient Roman townhouse (domus) with exquisite polychrome mosaics from late Republican times came to light. Finds from the excavation included two smaller than life silvered bronze feet. These were carefully examined to determine their iconographic significance. Based on their size and posture, the feet appear to correspond to a replica of the Apollo Sauroctonos in Villa Albani Torlonia, a sculpture unearthed in the 18th century near the church of Santa Balbina on the Little Aventine. X–ray fluorescence scans were used to reveal the presence of silver plating on the surface. The results can be found in the Appendix. This plating is likely attributed to an aes corinthium technique, referred to in literary sources and mentioned in a group of inscriptions from the 1st and 2nd centuries CE. These mention corinthiarii, possibly skilled artisans responsible for the technical process, as well as being the merchants involved in commercialising this specialised production.