This lesson explores bronze, a key copper alloy used in art, coinage, and archaeology. Students will compare ancient and modern bronzes, analyzing composition differences and their implications for material properties and historical use.
Objectives
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Recognize the role of tin and lead in ancient versus modern bronze.
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Interpret XRF spectra from ancient and modern bronze coins.
Materials
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Examples of ancient and modern bronze coins (e.g., Dupondius of Nîmes, Italian 10 cents 1938, Polish 5 Groszy 1938).
Lesson Plan
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Introduce bronze as copper + tin, contrasting it with brass (copper + zinc) and billon (copper + silver).
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Discuss compositional features of ancient bronze (5–15% tin, lead to improve casting).
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Compare with modern bronze coins, highlighting lower tin content (~4%) and absence of lead.
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Analyze and interpret XRF spectra of the three coins, identifying copper, tin, and lead peaks.
To reinforce the concepts discussed here, we also provide a video lesson that visually walks through the key points of this topic. Watching the video alongside the text can help you better understand and apply these ideas in practice.
The course XRF Spectroscopy for Art Examination introduces conservators, art historians, and scientists with interest in Art to the principles and practical applications of X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy in the examination of artworks. The course starts with basic principles of XRF and gradually explores its role in identifying materials and methods used in the creation and conservation of art.
Course Objectives
- Understand the fundamentals of XRF spectroscopy and how it applies to the analysis of art.
- Learn the key features and limitations of XRF for examining art and archaeology.
- Gain skills in interpreting XRF spectra to identify specific elements in paint layers, inks and metals.
