A brief review of Mössbauer Effect Spectroscopy (MES) is given, especially with a regard to iron and its compounds. While most workers have used a transmission geometry which requires sample preparation, MES may also be performed by scattering. Thus, analysis is possible with no sampling or damage to an artifact or work of art. A special detector has been constructed. Various artists' pigments have been surveyed, in bulk as well as <i>in situ. And it has been found that MES leads to a useful classification. Terracotta statuary, which generally contains 5 to 10% iron, has also been surveyed.