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Characterization of blue decorated Renaissance pottery fragments from Caltagirone (Sicily, Italy)

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Abstract

Renaissance blue decorated pottery fragments from the archaeological site of Caltagirone (Sicily, Italy) were analysed by scanning electron microscopy – energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM/EDS). The samples were dated back to 16th century AD on the basis of archaeological observations. The micro-chemical 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 X-ray absorbance spectroscopy (XAS), carried out at the Co K-edge, confirmed the micro-analytical results and permitted us to identify the oxidation form and the local environment of cobalt atoms.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Physics, University of Messina, Contrada Papardo, Salita Sperone 31, 98166, Messina, Italy

    D. Barilaro, V. Crupi, S. Interdonato, D. Majolino & V. Venuti

  2. Department of Geological Science, University of Catania, Corso Italia 55, 95129, Catania, Italy

    G. Barone & M.F. La Russa

  3. CNR-INFM-OGG c/o ESRF GILDA CRG, 6, Rue Jules Horowitz, 38043, Grenoble, France

    F. Bardelli

Authors
  1. D. Barilaro
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  2. V. Crupi
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  3. S. Interdonato
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  4. D. Majolino
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  5. V. Venuti
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  6. G. Barone
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  7. M.F. La Russa
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  8. F. Bardelli
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to M.F. La Russa.

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PACS

81.05.Mh; 82.80.-d; 68.37.Hk

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Barilaro, D., Crupi, V., Interdonato, S. et al. Characterization of blue decorated Renaissance pottery fragments from Caltagirone (Sicily, Italy). Appl. Phys. A 92, 91–96 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-008-4452-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00339-008-4452-z

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