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A Technical and Analytical Study of Two Silver Plates in the Collection of the J.Paul Getty Museum

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2011

David Scott
David Scott*
Affiliation:
Head, Museum Services, Scientific Program, Getty Conservation Institute, 4503 Glencoe Avenue, Marina del Rey, California 90292-6537
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Abstract

Two silver plates in the collection of the J. Paul Getty Museum were studied by non-destructive x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometry, xradiography, optical metallography, electron microprobe analysis and lead isotopic composition. One plate depicts a scene of philosophical discourse (the ‘Philosopher plate’) and the other an aged fisherman with his catch (the ‘Fisherman plate’). Both plates have designs on the fronts made not by repousse but by a combination of working and annealing followed by carving to shape. Technical and analytical results are described which support the attribution of a date in the early centuries AD. There are several differences between the two plates, such as the way in which the footring has been made and attached. Both, however, have thick corrosion crusts and have suffered intergranular corrosion. Determination of trace elements, such as zinc and gold, together with the method of manufacture suggests that both plates are ancient. Lead isotopic data for the two plates is different, with the Philosopher plate showing a close relationship to other Byzantine objects, even though a Renaissance date had been suggested.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 185: Symposium G – Materials Issues in Art and Archaeology II , 1990 , 665
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1990

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