Dutch silver alloys
An insight into the composition of Dutch silver down the centuries
The Rijksmuseums silver collection gives an ideal opportunity to construct a database in which the composition of the silver (silver, copper and trace elements like bismuth) and possible trends through the ages can be established.
About the project
Dutch silver objects from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century are measured with the X-ray fluorescence (XRF) technique. This technique measures the radiation that is sent back by a material when subjected to X-rays. This fluorensce is specific for each chemical element, thereby making it possible to identify every chemical element that is present in a silver object. This can be measured with a portable, handheld device, with a non-destructive technique. The relative proportions of the elements are calculated. The results are processed and statistically tested. The data are continuously complemented, thereby increasing the database's accuracy.
Aim of the project
A detailed database can help the curator and conservator place an object in a historical period and region. Initially the database will be set up and used by the Rijksmuseum’s metals conservation studio. The plan is to include objects from other collections in the database as well and making it available to a broader public in a form that is yet to be decided.
Staff
Joosje van Bennekom
Head of Metals Conservation
j.van.bennekom@rijksmuseum.nl
Arie Pappot
Researcher
a.pappot@rijksmuseum.nl
Dirk Jan Biemond
Curator of Metals
d.biemond@rijksmuseum.nl
Gerben Mooiweer
Data analyses (External)
Publications
J. van Bennekom, E. van Bork & F. Téreygeol, ‘Explorative Studies in 16th century silver refining recipes’, in Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, Volume 36, 102775, (2021) ISSN 2352-409X.