Archaeometry - Physics for Art and Archaeology

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Archaeometry is an umbrella term that covers a series of collaborations between natural sciences and archaeology/art studies.

Scientific methods have been used for several decades to complement more traditional archaeological/historical approaches, with the synergy between these sciences becoming gradually more important. Given the nature of the studied objects of particular importance are non-invasive or micro-invasive techniques.

In this class, the main non- (or micro-) invasive methodologies employed in the study of art/archaeological works will be described in the context of selected examples.

The same methodologies described here in the context of archaeology, art and history are routinely applied also in other fields of interest, like e.g. biomedicine, environmental sciences, forensic studies, geology, industry, nutrition, safeguard.

Archaeometry is an umbrella term that covers a series of collaborations between natural sciences and archaeology/art studies. The main topics included within archaeometry are science-based dating; study of the artefact production, distribution and use; computing and mathematical modelling; conservation.

Scientific methods have been used for several decades to complement more traditional archaeological/historical approaches, with the synergy between these sciences becoming gradually more important. Given the nature of the studied objects of particular importance are non-invasive or micro-invasive techniques.

In this class, the main non- (or micro-) invasive methodologies employed in the study of art/archaeological works will be described. Among them are:

- elemental analysis: X-ray based analysis, ion-beam based analysis, neutron-based analysis methods;

- isotope analysis, dating and provenance: accelerator mass spectrometry; radioisotope dating (14C); dating beyond the radiocarbon barrier; thermoluminescence dating of earthenware;

- radiography and tomography;

- Raman and optical.

The methodologies will be described and illustrated in the context of selected examples, spanning from pre-historical to modern times. Different types of artworks will be analysed, ranging from paintings (from rock paintings to frescos to oil paintings), to earthenware across the centuries and millenia, to architecture, to archaeological artefacts, to works on paper, papyri or pergamin.

Such investigations have become over time increasingly important in the filed of technical art history and the interdisciplinary aspect of such research will be highlighted. Collaboration between art historians, archaeologists, museum curators, conservators and physicists or chemists has in fact become extremely important for gaining a complete picture of the problem investigated.

The same methodologies described here in the context of archaeology, art and history are routinely applied also in other fields of interest, like e.g. biomedicine, environmental sciences, forensic studies, geology, industry, nutrition, safeguard.

At the end of the class the student will be familiar with the techniques and be able to identify those more suited for a given investigation.

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