Unravelling the construction of silver filigree spheres from a seventeenth century shipwreck using non-invasive imaging

Journal article (2022)

Authors

Janneke van der Stok-Nienhuis Universiteit van Amsterdam
Tonny Beentjes Universiteit van Amsterdam
L. van Eijck RST/Neutron and Positron Methods in Materials - AS
Ineke Joosten Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands
Maarten van Bommel Universiteit van Amsterdam
Research Group
RST/Neutron and Positron Methods in Materials (AS) (TU Delft)
Copyright: © 2022 Janneke van der Stok-Nienhuis, Tonny Beentjes, D.J.M. Ngan-Tillard, L. van Eijck, Ineke Joosten, Maarten R. van Bommel
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40494-022-00710-9
More Info
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Published Date

2022

Language

English

Faculty

Applied Sciences

Department

RST/Radiation, Science and Technology

Research Group

RST/Neutron and Positron Methods in Materials

Abstract

The structure of five rare filigree spheres from a seventeenth century shipwreck was examined in order to unravel their condition, manufacturing process and function. This study focuses on the application of non-invasive imaging techniques: optical microscopy, X-radiography, X-ray micro-computed tomography and neutron computed tomography. A valuation of different aspects of the applied techniques was made, aiding stakeholders in decision-making on research and conservation. The combination of theory and scientific information was used to obtain an improved understanding of the manufacturing process and function of the filigree spheres.