Unveiling hidden details of an etruscan statue: The power of combined pXRF spot and map approach

Abstract

Portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (pXRF), a non-invasive technique, is increasingly used in the field of Cultural Heritage for multi-element analysis due to its ease of use and no sample preparation. This method allows for fast, multi-elemental analysis of materials without damaging the original objects, making it invaluable in studying rare or fragile pieces. The combined application of spot and map analyses may shed new light on the composition of the studied material. Indeed, spot analysis provides localized, point-specific data, while mapping generates a broader overview of the material's distribution across the artifact’s surface. This dual approach is particularly useful, revealing insights inaccessible through spot analysis alone. In this paper, we demonstrated the validity of this approach by analyzing the eyes of an Etruscan statue housed at the National Archaeological Museum in Florence (Italy). The obtained distribution of chemical elements in the eyes enabled the formulation of a hypothesis regarding their manufacturing process.