A micro-XRF investigation on the bronze statue of Poseidon of Livadostra

Abstract

This dissertation aims to present and interpret the results that were obtained by the micro-XRF analysis of the bronze statue of Poseidon of Livadostra before its temporary exhibition at the National Archaeological Museum at Athens. The bronze statue of Poseidon is an indicative example of the transitional period from the late archaic years to the early classical ones, and one of the few examples of this characteristic period that have been preserved and analyzed. The scope of the micro - XRF analysis was to answer specific analytical questions raised by the Head of the Laboratory of Conservation and the laboratory personnel related to its technical characteristics and state of preservation, namely the chemical composition of the different parts of the statue of Poseidon, to identify residues of past conservation treatments and better clarify the composition of the patina layer.