Characterization of two vases from Centuripe

Bianca Irene Carnesale, Giacomo Biondi, Mario Colella, Federica Giacobello, Letizia Bonizzoni

Abstract

This study presents the analysis of two Centuripe lekanides currently held in two northern Italian museum collections, both lacking a documented archaeological context. The investigation, planned in the frame of the exhibition “Color and Mystery” at the Archaeological Museum of Milan, aimed to verify the authenticity of the artifacts through the integration of non-invasive diagnostic techniques, particularly X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and multispectral imaging. XRF analysis enabled the identification of chemical elements in the decorative pigments, allowing hypotheses on the nature of some materials, such as Egyptian blue, red and yellow ochre, lead white and gypsum, as well as revealing traces of restoration and possible modern retouching. Digital microscope observations provided enhanced visualization of pigment distribution and surface details. The combined use of these techniques allowed for a more in-depth characterization of the painted surfaces, contributing to the historical and artistic understanding of the artifacts and providing useful data for broader reflections on authenticity and Centuripe ceramic production.

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IMEKO-Metroarchaeo-2025-020.pdf

DOI

10.21014/tc26-2025.020

IMEKO TC

TC26 - Metrology for Cultural Heritage

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