THE SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS OF A GROUP OF ROMAN‐AGE ENAMELLED BROOCHES

Abstract

ABSTRACTS Results of analysis, mainly by X‐ray fluorescence, are presented for a representative selection of enamelled brooches. The enamel composition is quite distinct, and shows considerable technical sophistication on the part of the manufacturers. The production of different colours and of opacity in the enamel is related to the chemical composition, and analyses of the metal substrate suggest that the alloy was carefully chosen. The implications of this investigation for the study of Roman enamelwork in general are discussed.