Volume II provides a summary description of each of the multifarious techniques of examination and scientific analysis that have been usefully applied to the study of bronze sculpture. The volume is intended for both specialists in technical examination and analysis (e.g., conservators, conservation scientists, archaeologists) and nonspecialists (curators, historians). Specialists will find practical guidance on how each of the techniques may be specifically adapted and optimized for the study of bronze sculpture, along with extensive references to additional technical resources and published examples of their application. Nonspecialists will find succinct descriptions of the techniques and the scientific principles on which they are based. The descriptions are followed by discussion of the capabilities and limitations of each particular technique, along with a description of any sampling requirements that may be required. This information is presented to help those in positions of responsibility make informed decisions regarding the selection of appropriate examination and analysis techniques in the context of a technical study.
In the first chapter, the reader will find practical advice and resources on how to plan and document a technological study (with a reminder of the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration at every step). This is followed by chapters on image-based examination and documentation (photography and radiography) and measurement. Analytical techniques that further aid in the identification and characterization of materials are described in separate chapters dedicated to the specific materials type (base metal, surface layers, and core). In the penultimate chapter, methods for dating a bronze sculpture are described, and the final chapter discusses the design and implementation of experimental simulations.