Preliminary Alloys Characterization and Technological Interpretation of the Manufacturing Process of the Vittoria Alata di Brescia by means of Neutron Diffraction

F. Cantini, M. Galeotti, A. Cagnini, S. Porcinai, A. Scherillo, A. Brini, A. Patera, F. Morandini, F. Grazzi

Abstract

The Winged Victory of Brescia (Vittoria Alata) is one of the most important Roman bronzes rediscovered in Italy, dated around the 1^st Century AD. Since the 19^th century, the statue has undergone multiple conservation interventions. The latest one started in 2018, owing to an agreement among Comune di Brescia, Fondazione Brescia Musei, Opificio delle Pietre Dure (OPD) di Firenze, Soprintendenza Archeologia Belle Arti e Paesaggio per le province di Bergamo e Brescia. The project was coordinated by the Opificio delle Pietre Dure and offered a unique opportunity for a thorough study of the statue. The composition of the alloy was investigated with a combination of traditional techniques (SEM - EDX; XRF) and neutron diffraction in time of flight. This approach allowed us to clearly characterize the alloy used for the different parts (portions of the body, arms, wings), and to obtain clues on manufacturing methods of the statue.

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IMEKO TC

TC4 - Measurement of Electrical Quantities

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