This work will present the results of p-XRF analysis applied in situ to three XI- XII century manuscripts covers considered as masterpieces of Northern Italy medieval jewellery: the golden and silver valves of Evangeliario di Ariberto (Milano), the golden valve of Pace di Chiavenna and the golden and silver valves of Liber Evangeliorium of Vercelli binding. The golden valves show a sumptuous decoration of golden leaves, plates and filigrees, enamels and casted gems, while the silver ones, probably the covers of the case containing the manuscript, have a more simple and sober aspect, thus reflecting the different meaning and function of the two objects during the liturgy. The aim of this research is to obtain information on manufacturing techniques and composition of the artefacts, considering possible analogies and difference which may be useful for art historians discussion on manufacture place and artistic connections. XRF analysis was performed with p-XRF in order to determine the composition of the metals and enamels, and quantitative results, obtained using certified standards, undergo data treatment with multivariate analysis. Relationship between composition and material manufacturing was clearly observed, all filigrees showing higher Cu and Ag values respect to sheets and plates. In particular, the Evangelists in Pace di Chiavenna shows the highest Au content among the golden sheets, while we underline the higher Ag contents of the central filigree round respect to the external ones, suggesting for this artefact two separate manufacturing of the filigree rounds. Analysis on Pace di Ariberto differentiated originals parts from substitutions, presenting lower Au contents, and recognized as niello the black decoration on the Christ figure. The Liber Evangeliorum cover shows a wider range of compositions for Cu-Au-Ag alloys. The silver sheets of the bottom are in fact brightly reddish because of higher Cu contents, while the golden plates shows high Au contents: the resulting different and contrasting colours are used to obtain a peculiar chromatic effect.
Non invasive analysis of manuscript covers: portable X-ray fluorescence enlightening medieval jewellery masterpieces
FENOGLIO, GAIA;AGOSTINO, Angelo;OPERTI, Lorenza
2012-01-01
Abstract
This work will present the results of p-XRF analysis applied in situ to three XI- XII century manuscripts covers considered as masterpieces of Northern Italy medieval jewellery: the golden and silver valves of Evangeliario di Ariberto (Milano), the golden valve of Pace di Chiavenna and the golden and silver valves of Liber Evangeliorium of Vercelli binding. The golden valves show a sumptuous decoration of golden leaves, plates and filigrees, enamels and casted gems, while the silver ones, probably the covers of the case containing the manuscript, have a more simple and sober aspect, thus reflecting the different meaning and function of the two objects during the liturgy. The aim of this research is to obtain information on manufacturing techniques and composition of the artefacts, considering possible analogies and difference which may be useful for art historians discussion on manufacture place and artistic connections. XRF analysis was performed with p-XRF in order to determine the composition of the metals and enamels, and quantitative results, obtained using certified standards, undergo data treatment with multivariate analysis. Relationship between composition and material manufacturing was clearly observed, all filigrees showing higher Cu and Ag values respect to sheets and plates. In particular, the Evangelists in Pace di Chiavenna shows the highest Au content among the golden sheets, while we underline the higher Ag contents of the central filigree round respect to the external ones, suggesting for this artefact two separate manufacturing of the filigree rounds. Analysis on Pace di Ariberto differentiated originals parts from substitutions, presenting lower Au contents, and recognized as niello the black decoration on the Christ figure. The Liber Evangeliorum cover shows a wider range of compositions for Cu-Au-Ag alloys. The silver sheets of the bottom are in fact brightly reddish because of higher Cu contents, while the golden plates shows high Au contents: the resulting different and contrasting colours are used to obtain a peculiar chromatic effect.
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