In Situ Analysis of Greek Ceramics and Iberian Amphora by XRF at the Eva Klabin House Museum

Josiane Cavalcante; Roberta Manon de Paula Sales Borges; Isis Verona Nascimento da Silva Franzi; Anderson Gomes de Paula; Evelyne Azevedo; Ricardo Tadeu Lopes; Davi Ferreira de Oliveira

doi:10.5433/1679-0375.2025.v46.52785

In Situ Analysis of Greek Ceramics and Iberian Amphora by XRF at the Eva Klabin House Museum

Authors

Josiane Cavalcante Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro https://orcid.org/0009-0003-8005-1595
Roberta Manon de Paula Sales Borges Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6219-0717
Isis Verona Nascimento da Silva Franzi Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro https://orcid.org/0009-0004-3022-4192
Anderson Gomes de Paula Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5667-2872
Evelyne Azevedo Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5619-7741
Ricardo Tadeu Lopes Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7250-824X
Davi Ferreira de Oliveira Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2038-1480

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5433/1679-0375.2025.v46.52785

Keywords:

greek ceramics, in situ analysis, elemental composition, pigments, clay refinement, cultural heritage, iberian amphora

Abstract

The Eva Klabin House Museum (MCEK) in Rio de Janeiro houses ancient artifacts of significant cultural value. This study employed X-Ray fluorescence (XRF) to analyze four pieces: three Greek ceramics and an Iberian amphora. Analyses were conducted in situ with a portable Bruker Tracer III device (rhodium target, 40 kV, 35 µA, 60-second acquisition time). In the Iberian amphora, calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), and lead (Pb) were detected. The high Ca content suggests prolonged submersion encrustations, while the predominant Fe indicates iron-rich clay. Among the Greek ceramics, the situla contained Ca, Fe, and cobalt (Co), with Co raising concerns about potential later pictorial interventions or forgery. The Archaic Greek vase and the smaller vase showed similar compositions, dominated by Fe and Ca, suggesting the use of iron oxide pigments and possible calcite or gypsum in the clay. Trace elements such as manganese, zinc, and strontium provided additional insights into clay origin and production techniques. The results highlight the need for complementary analytical methods. These methods would help determine clay sources, pigments, and manufacturing processes more precisely, while underscoring the importance of non-destructive analysis for preserving museum collections.

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Author Biographies

Josiane Cavalcante, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

PhD Student, Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory, UFRJ.

Roberta Manon de Paula Sales Borges, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

PhD Student, Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory, UFRJ

Isis Verona Nascimento da Silva Franzi, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Postdoctoral Researcher, Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory, UFRJ.

Anderson Gomes de Paula, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Postdoctoral Researcher, Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory, UFRJ.

Evelyne Azevedo, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Professor (PhD), Department of Art History, UERJ.

Ricardo Tadeu Lopes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Professor (PhD), Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory, UFRJ.

Davi Ferreira de Oliveira, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro

Professor (PhD), Nuclear Instrumentation Laboratory, UFRJ.

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