MA-XRF and XRD analysis revealing a polychrome Centuripe vase

Abstract The testimony of Hellenistic culture in Sicily can be studied, nowadays, thanks to archaeological artifacts such as polychrome Centuripe vases. However, since the number of vases available is restricted to just over a hundred pieces, comparative studies of these vases are not easily performed due to the lack of analytical results’ databases. The investigations are based on questions about authenticity and interpretation of the depicted scenes, sometimes unique, executed in tempera in several colors. In this work, we present the case of a Centuripe vase kept in the Interdisciplinary Regional Museum of Catania, whose authenticity has been investigated by means of nondestructive investigations. Two analytical techniques were applied to characterize the clay and pigments. The identified pigments are compatible with those used in antiquity such as red ocher, lead white, lime white and Egyptian blue. In addition, MA-XRF revealed drawings not visible anymore due to wear or covered by encrustations.