In situ study of the Porticello Bronzes by portable X-ray fluorescence and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

This paper reports the results of a measurement campaign performed at the National Museum of Magna Grecia in Reggio Calabria (Italy). Portable X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) instrumentation allowed in situ analysis of several bronze pieces belonging to the group of the so-called Porticello Bronzes. The find occurred at sea, off the village of Porticello (Reggio Calabria) in 1969 and consists of a number of fragments, including a bearded head, pertaining to at least two statues. The use of X-Ray Fluorescence and Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy techniques allowed for a classification of the fragments according to their elemental composition. The fragments appear to belong to at least two different statues; although, in general, the compositional classification agrees well with the stylistic analysis of the fragments, significant improvements with respect to previous achievements emerge from the joint results of the two techniques used.