X-ray fluorescence and µ-Raman analysis of bronze sculptures by Giuseppe Renda

In this work, the elemental and molecular composition of three different bronze sculptures by Giuseppe Renda (one of the most famous interpreters of the Neapolitan Verism in the 19th and 20th centuries), respectively named “La Fortuna”, “Scugnizzo” and “Non mi toccare”, was performed. This was done for the first time and in a completely non-invasive way, through a combined approach involving portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and µ-Raman techniques. The analysis of the investigated artefacts was aimed at improving the knowledge of the Southern Italy bronze art of the second half of the 20th century; this was done also in order to support the definition of optimized conservation strategies to be used by restorers in view of planning best restoration/cleaning interventions to minimize the conservation problems that could affect the durability of the precious artefacts.