Bronze Sculptures and Lead Objects Tell Stories About Their Creators: Investigation of Renaissance Sculptures and Ancient Ingots by Means of Neutron Tomography

Renaissance bronze objects from the Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam) collection and lead ingots from ancient roman shipwrecks found near Sicily (Italy) were studied by means of neutron tomography. This was done with the aim to visualize and to measure the inner structures of the objects. In this way information about the manufacturing processes in the 16th century and the conservation status from the inside of the bronze sculptures was gained. Inscriptions found under the corrosion layer of the lead ingots gave hints about the trade routes in the past. Neutron imaging was proven perfect to transmit the relatively thick layers of Pb and Cu alloys while ceramic remains, soldering connections and corrosion effects become visible.