Authors: D Barilaro V Crupi S Interdonato D Majolino V Venuti G Barone MF La Russa F Bardelli
Publish Date: 2008/03/20
Volume: 92, Issue: 1, Pages: 91-96
Abstract
Renaissance blue decorated pottery fragments from the archaeological site of Caltagirone Sicily Italy were analysed by scanning electron microscopy – energy dispersive Xray spectrometry SEM/EDS The samples were dated back to 16th century AD on the basis of archaeological observations The microchemical analyses were performed on the ceramic body and the surface decorated layer of the samples Particularly the investigation was addressed the characterization of the coating blue decorations The obtained results allowed us to clearly identify smalt as pigment Also the presence of arsenic As was revealed and the Co/As ratio values were calculated and related to the different process used for the pigment preparation Further spectroscopic analyses performed through Xray absorbance spectroscopy XAS carried out at the Co Kedge confirmed the microanalytical results and permitted us to identify the oxidation form and the local environment of cobalt atoms
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