41270
Accession Number
33073
Author
Craddock, Paul T.
Title Of Article Chaper
The composition of the copper alloys used by the Greek, Etruscan and Roman civilizations. 2. The Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic Greeks
Title Of Journal Book
Journal of archaeological science
Volume
4
Issue
2
Pages
103-123
Language Of Text
English
Literature Type
Serial
Literature Level
Analytic
Abstract
This paper is the second dealing with the composition of copper alloys used by the Greeks. About 500 analyses of Archaic, Classical and Hellenistic objects are published here pp. 117-123 together with comments upon the alloys used. The data are arranged chronologically within broad limits and further subdivided typologically. The techniques of sampling and analysis are discussed in depth in the first part of this project (Craddock, 1976). The development of casting technology is one of the principal features of bronzeworking during this period. Our knowledge of Greek casting technology comes both from archaeological excavation and from a careful examination of the castings themselves. Evidence from these sources has been brought together here for the first time together with the comments of medieval, renaissance, and modern technical authors to attempt a coherent picture of the way the superb Greek bronzes were produced and adorned. It was during this period that the Greeks started using mercury gilding on copper and bronze; and the techniques and range of gilded metal are discussed.
Keywords
Bronze, analysis; Bronze, casting; Bronze, gilding; Bronze, history; Bronze, lead; Bronze, technology working; Sculpture, bronze; Bronze, soldering brazing welding; Copper, history; Copper, analysis; Metal, casting lost wax; Metal, casting; Gilding, mercury; Sculpture, gilding; Metal, casting piece-mould; Mirror, bronze ICCROM
pub_id
41270