The article delves into the analysis of a 19th-century bronze sculpture located in Porto, Portugal, depicting King Afonso Henriques. The study aimed to characterise the elemental composition of the sculpture and investigate the corrosion processes affecting it. Various analytical techniques such as XRF, XRD, OM, and SEM-EDS were employed to examine the alloy composition and corrosion products.
The results revealed that the sculpture was made of a copper-tin-zinc alloy with trace elements including lead, iron, arsenic, bismuth, and manganese, consistent with other sculptures from the same period. Corrosion analysis identified the presence of oxides, providing valuable insights for developing conservation strategies to preserve the artwork.
Furthermore, the research shed light on the historical context of sculpture casting in Portugal during the 19th century, highlighting the challenges faced by early art foundries in producing such intricate pieces. The study not only contributes to the understanding of the material composition of the sculpture but also offers implications for its conservation and restoration. It underscores the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in art conservation and the value of scientific analysis in understanding and safeguarding historical artefacts.
The findings are significant for cultural heritage preservation, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship and techniques employed by artisans of the past.
