Radka Sefcu - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Radka Sefcu
Studies in Conservation, 2012
Heritage Science, Aug 12, 2020
A series of scientific methods (X-ray analyses, optical and electron microscopy, Raman spectrosco... more A series of scientific methods (X-ray analyses, optical and electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and thermal analyses) was used to research the ceramic bodies and glazes of forty vessels from Renaissance Prague. The set of Early Modern Age archaeological glazed ceramics contained tableware, kitchenware and technical ceramics. The main aim was to characterise ceramic materials and glazes used over two centuries. Attention was also paid to the identification of defects and corrosion products of the glazes. The research was conducted with an emphasis on the context of the original use of the ceramic artefacts and the environment of the waste pits from which they were excavated. The archaeological finds include three technical ceramic vessels (a rectifier, a bowl and a jar), which together could have formed a distillation apparatus. Since these vessels represent a rare finding, they were subjected to a detailed investigation. Based on the similarity of ceramic bodies and glazes, it was proved that the three technical ceramic vessels were made in the same workshop and were parts of one distillation apparatus. The results of the performed analyses determined that the studied vessels were manufactured from raw materials with a high content of a plastic component and that the raw materials did not change significantly during the period from the 15th to 18th centuries. The firing temperature of most of the vessels did not exceed 1000 °C. It was proved that all the glazes were mediumor high-lead content glazes and were coloured with ionic pigments.
Deleted Journal, Jul 1, 2024
Národní galerie v Praze Ing. Radka Šefců, Ph.D.-absolventka VŠCHT v Praze, působí od roku 1998 v ... more Národní galerie v Praze Ing. Radka Šefců, Ph.D.-absolventka VŠCHT v Praze, působí od roku 1998 v Chemicko-technologické laboratoři Národní galerie v Praze. Věnuje se výzkumné činnosti v oblasti analýzy historických anorganických a organických výtvarných materiálů, průzkumu uměleckých děl a historickým výtvarným technologiím.
Archaeopress Publishing Ltd eBooks, Jun 29, 2023
Research Square (Research Square), Jul 3, 2020
Acta Musei Nationalis Pragae – Historia litterarum, 2018
In 2017, the National Museum commemorated the bicentenary of the discovery of the Manuscript of D... more In 2017, the National Museum commemorated the bicentenary of the discovery of the Manuscript of Dvůr Králové and the Manuscript of Zelená Hora by further material research into both works and especially by an exhibition of their originals. The main aims of this research into the manuscripts included the documentation and evaluation of their current physical condition and the mapping of the effect of the microchemical analyses performed in the context of the disputes over the authenticity of the manuscripts between the middle of the 19th century and the 1970s. For the achievement of these objectives, a detailed documentation of all the pages of the manuscripts in different types of lighting (visible direct, lateral, transmitted, ultraviolet, infrared), optical microscopy, and the identification of the degradation productions of damaged places by means of X-ray fluorescence analysis and Raman spectroscopy were used. This provided new information on the current physical condition of th...
Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, Nov 21, 2022
The research presented in this study aimed to document the variability of synthetic lead antimona... more The research presented in this study aimed to document the variability of synthetic lead antimonate pigments known as Naples yellow in selected artworks by Czech landscape painters from the turn of the 20th century. Spectra obtained through Raman spectroscopy show considerable difference in the position of main band maximum (from 110 to 145 cm−1) characteristic of cubic pyrochlore structure Pb2Sb2O7—the major phase of the Naples yellow pigment. In several samples, hexagonal PbSb2O6 with main band at 655 cm−1 was identified as a dominant phase, a finding that is somewhat surprising because PbSb2O6 has been generally considered a minor admixture to cubic Pb2Sb2O7. Reference pigment samples were synthesised under known conditions, and their spectra were collected in order to get more comparative material. Also, commercially available Naples yellow pigments were characterised in the same way. We observed considerable differences of the obtained spectra caused by the presence of admixtures and diverse production conditions. The diversity of Naples yellow and the corresponding Raman spectra makes their identification problematic. Presented data thus may serve as a reference material in the identification process.
Materials, Dec 29, 2022
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
European Physical Journal Plus, Jul 17, 2023
The use of computed tomography (CT) for studying artwork has a long tradition in the restoration ... more The use of computed tomography (CT) for studying artwork has a long tradition in the restoration and care of collections in memory institutions. The result of the related tomographic reconstruction is a virtual spatial model in which we can examine the production technology, the internal structure, various damaged areas, and previous restoration interventions. The extension of standard CT to dual energy CT provides additional information to help distinguish materials with similar densities but different chemical compositions. As will be shown, pigment differences that appear very similar in optical light can be identified in this way. The differences found were confirmed by X-ray fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy analytical techniques. Current laboratory CT scanners make it possible to examine the layered structures of paintings and polychrome sculptures. In the case of wood panel paintings, however, we are faced with the common deformation of the panels. So, when examining the CT data, we can only see a small section of the paint layer, and it is difficult to examine the whole artwork in its entire context. This disadvantage can be solved by a virtual straightening of the panel, as will be demonstrated.
Wood Science and Technology, 2017
Medieval wood sculptures form an important part of our cultural heritage. Their preservation, res... more Medieval wood sculptures form an important part of our cultural heritage. Their preservation, restoration and material investigations usually result in a very demanding task, which leads, however, to understanding of the historical techniques used in the medieval art workshop. The restoration of the statue of Seated Virgin Mary (1475-1480), recently attributed to the Master of the Kefermarkt Altarpiece, the National Gallery in Prague, revealed beneath the thick layer of the modern polychrome a very rare preserved original surface finish consisting of a thin monochrome glaze that was directly applied to the wood, in German specialised literature known as Holzsichtigkeit. The identification of the organic materials of the thin painting layers on original artworks is always very challenging. The monochrome red-brownish glaze was confirmed by micro-optical analyses in ultraviolet light. The layer was then analysed by means of micro-chemical test for the presence of saccharides and subsequently investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to detect particular binding medium. According to the results it occurred that storax was plausibly present. This research and identification of the surface finish of the Seated Virgin Mary sculpture open new possibilities for the interpretation and analyses of similar monochrome glaze layers of the Late Gothic carvings.
The European Physical Journal Plus, 2019
Abstract.This paper aims to summarise the results obtained during the investigation of a lavishly... more Abstract.This paper aims to summarise the results obtained during the investigation of a lavishly decorated Bohemian medieval altarpiece, which depicts the legend of St. Catherine of Alexandria, and is situated in the Church of St. Catherine in Chrudim, Eastern Bohemia. This altarpiece belongs to a unique group of high-quality medieval altarpieces which have been preserved in Chrudim. The research focused above all on the late-medieval decorative technique known as pressed brocade. The relief applications were coloured in order to imitate the luxury textile with the greatest possible precision. This process also included gilding and a coloured finish of the relief surface. The research team investigated the decorative patterns, imprints of the moulds used, the quality of the execution, the chemical composition of the filler material and, the way in which the tin relief was produced and applied onto the painted surface. The attention was paid also to the final gilding and glazing. The material investigation included a non-invasive X-ray fluorescence analysis of carefully selected samples prepared as cross-sections. The filler material underneath the tin relief were analysed using optical microscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy with X-ray microanalysis. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was then employed to identify the presence of lipid, resin and protein binding media in the composition of the filler material. The experimental data obtained during the research serves as the basis for more general conclusions concerning workshop practices in the late Middle Ages. The results will also be used to plan the complex restoration of the altarpiece.
Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 2018
Confocal micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (confocal micro-XRF) has recently become a signifi... more Confocal micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (confocal micro-XRF) has recently become a significant instrumental method for analyses of cultural heritage as it provides depth-resolved information on elemental distribution of the investigated samples. This work describes results of confocal micro-XRF analyses of paint layers of two Bohemian panel paintings from the half of the 15th century that are part of the collections of the National Gallery in Prague. All the measurements were performed using a table top confocal micro-XRF setup designed at the Czech Technical University in Prague. A depth-profiling was used for investigation of red and blue paint layers in order to compare the composition and structure of the used pigments. Obtained results were compared with findings from the material survey on the sample taken from the painting Assumpta from Deštná (ca 1450, inv. no. O 724) to verify their origin in the same workshop. Confocal micro-XRF provides satisfactory data to specify the art workshop.
Journal of Cultural Heritage, 2017
This paper deals with the results of a broad-based survey of both the binding media and the pigme... more This paper deals with the results of a broad-based survey of both the binding media and the pigments used during the first half of the 14th century on Bohemian panel paintings from the collections of the National Gallery in Prague. The work is focused on the specific use of oil binding media and pigments in the workshop of the Master of the Vyšší Brod Cycle, the most important painter in the period around the 1340s in Bohemia. Extensive laboratory examinations of the micro-samples were executed by means of optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy with an energy-dispersing detector (SEM/EDS), micro-Raman spectroscopy (MRS), histochemical staining (HS) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The data obtained by the multianalytical approach pointed out that the oil binding medium was used as the principal medium within colour paint layers in the Bohemian panel paintings as early as around 1340-1350. This unique identification of oil binding media opens new possibilities for the interpretation of the painting technique in Central Europe in the 14th century.
Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 2017
The presence of heavy chemical elements in old pigments is possible to identify in historical pai... more The presence of heavy chemical elements in old pigments is possible to identify in historical paintings using Xray fluorescence analysis (XRF). This is a non-destructive analytical method frequently used in examination of objects that require in situ analysis, where it is necessary to avoid damaging the object by taking samples. Different modalities are available, such as microanalysis, scanning selected areas, or depth profiling techniques. Surface scanning is particularly profitable since 2D element distribution maps are much more understandable than the results of individual analyses. Information on the layered structure of the painting can be also obtained by handheld portable systems. Results presented in our paper combine 2D element distribution maps obtained by scanning analysis, and depth profiling using conventional XRF. The latter is very suitable for objects of art, as it can be evaluated from data measured with portable XRF device. Depth profiling by conventional XRF is based on the differences in X-ray absorption in paint layers. The XRF technique was applied for analysis of panel paintings of the Master of the St George Altarpiece who was active in Prague in the 1470s and 1480s. The results were evaluated by taking micro-samples and performing a material analysis.
Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 2017
Confocal XRF spectrometer for in-situ measurements of painting was constructed. Preparation of a ... more Confocal XRF spectrometer for in-situ measurements of painting was constructed. Preparation of a sample plate of historical paint layers was described. Movable collimating optics enables us to change quickly the confocal volume.
Muzeum Muzejní a vlastivedná práce, 2021
The paper presents the interdisciplinary survey of the phonographic cylinders collection of Natio... more The paper presents the interdisciplinary survey of the phonographic cylinders collection of National Museum – Czech Museum of Music. The text was created for the New Phonograph: Listening to the History of Sound project. The paper focuses on the characterisation of long-term storage of the collection and a common form of degradation – a fair overlay on the cylinder‘s surface. As for dealing with the wide spectrum of samples in the collection, the survey is focused on the most commonly occurring phonographic cylinders and their enclosures. A representative selection of samples was analysed to clarify the character of the degradation products and its origin.
Acta Crystallographica Section A Foundations and Advances, 2017
Materials
Pigments in the paints used for the coats of arms, polychromy on sculptures, and pigments in fres... more Pigments in the paints used for the coats of arms, polychromy on sculptures, and pigments in frescoes characterize not only the epoch but also individual creators or groups of artists involved in their creation. X-ray fluorescence analysis is a non-destructive method suitable for determining the chemical composition of these artifacts. This article covers the results of measurements of selected objects, and compares them with similar objects from the territory of the Czech Kingdom in the 14th century.
A set of scientific methods (X-ray analyses, optical and electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy ... more A set of scientific methods (X-ray analyses, optical and electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and thermal analyses) was used for research of ceramic bodies and glazes of forty vessels from Renaissance Prague. The set of early modern age archaeological glazed ceramics contained tableware, kitchenware and technical ceramics. The main aim was to characterize ceramic materials and glazes over two centuries. Attention was also paid to identification of defects and corrosion products of the glazes. The research was conducted with an emphasis on the context of the original use of ceramic artefacts and the environment of waste pits from which they were excavated. Among the archaeological finding, three vessels of technical ceramics were found (a rectifier, a bowl and a jar) which together could have formed a distillation apparatus. Since these vessels represent a unique finding, they were subjected to a detailed survey. Based on the similarity of ceramic bodies and glazes, it was proved ...
Studies in Conservation, 2012
Heritage Science, Aug 12, 2020
A series of scientific methods (X-ray analyses, optical and electron microscopy, Raman spectrosco... more A series of scientific methods (X-ray analyses, optical and electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and thermal analyses) was used to research the ceramic bodies and glazes of forty vessels from Renaissance Prague. The set of Early Modern Age archaeological glazed ceramics contained tableware, kitchenware and technical ceramics. The main aim was to characterise ceramic materials and glazes used over two centuries. Attention was also paid to the identification of defects and corrosion products of the glazes. The research was conducted with an emphasis on the context of the original use of the ceramic artefacts and the environment of the waste pits from which they were excavated. The archaeological finds include three technical ceramic vessels (a rectifier, a bowl and a jar), which together could have formed a distillation apparatus. Since these vessels represent a rare finding, they were subjected to a detailed investigation. Based on the similarity of ceramic bodies and glazes, it was proved that the three technical ceramic vessels were made in the same workshop and were parts of one distillation apparatus. The results of the performed analyses determined that the studied vessels were manufactured from raw materials with a high content of a plastic component and that the raw materials did not change significantly during the period from the 15th to 18th centuries. The firing temperature of most of the vessels did not exceed 1000 °C. It was proved that all the glazes were mediumor high-lead content glazes and were coloured with ionic pigments.
Deleted Journal, Jul 1, 2024
Národní galerie v Praze Ing. Radka Šefců, Ph.D.-absolventka VŠCHT v Praze, působí od roku 1998 v ... more Národní galerie v Praze Ing. Radka Šefců, Ph.D.-absolventka VŠCHT v Praze, působí od roku 1998 v Chemicko-technologické laboratoři Národní galerie v Praze. Věnuje se výzkumné činnosti v oblasti analýzy historických anorganických a organických výtvarných materiálů, průzkumu uměleckých děl a historickým výtvarným technologiím.
Archaeopress Publishing Ltd eBooks, Jun 29, 2023
Research Square (Research Square), Jul 3, 2020
Acta Musei Nationalis Pragae – Historia litterarum, 2018
In 2017, the National Museum commemorated the bicentenary of the discovery of the Manuscript of D... more In 2017, the National Museum commemorated the bicentenary of the discovery of the Manuscript of Dvůr Králové and the Manuscript of Zelená Hora by further material research into both works and especially by an exhibition of their originals. The main aims of this research into the manuscripts included the documentation and evaluation of their current physical condition and the mapping of the effect of the microchemical analyses performed in the context of the disputes over the authenticity of the manuscripts between the middle of the 19th century and the 1970s. For the achievement of these objectives, a detailed documentation of all the pages of the manuscripts in different types of lighting (visible direct, lateral, transmitted, ultraviolet, infrared), optical microscopy, and the identification of the degradation productions of damaged places by means of X-ray fluorescence analysis and Raman spectroscopy were used. This provided new information on the current physical condition of th...
Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, Nov 21, 2022
The research presented in this study aimed to document the variability of synthetic lead antimona... more The research presented in this study aimed to document the variability of synthetic lead antimonate pigments known as Naples yellow in selected artworks by Czech landscape painters from the turn of the 20th century. Spectra obtained through Raman spectroscopy show considerable difference in the position of main band maximum (from 110 to 145 cm−1) characteristic of cubic pyrochlore structure Pb2Sb2O7—the major phase of the Naples yellow pigment. In several samples, hexagonal PbSb2O6 with main band at 655 cm−1 was identified as a dominant phase, a finding that is somewhat surprising because PbSb2O6 has been generally considered a minor admixture to cubic Pb2Sb2O7. Reference pigment samples were synthesised under known conditions, and their spectra were collected in order to get more comparative material. Also, commercially available Naples yellow pigments were characterised in the same way. We observed considerable differences of the obtained spectra caused by the presence of admixtures and diverse production conditions. The diversity of Naples yellow and the corresponding Raman spectra makes their identification problematic. Presented data thus may serve as a reference material in the identification process.
Materials, Dec 29, 2022
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
European Physical Journal Plus, Jul 17, 2023
The use of computed tomography (CT) for studying artwork has a long tradition in the restoration ... more The use of computed tomography (CT) for studying artwork has a long tradition in the restoration and care of collections in memory institutions. The result of the related tomographic reconstruction is a virtual spatial model in which we can examine the production technology, the internal structure, various damaged areas, and previous restoration interventions. The extension of standard CT to dual energy CT provides additional information to help distinguish materials with similar densities but different chemical compositions. As will be shown, pigment differences that appear very similar in optical light can be identified in this way. The differences found were confirmed by X-ray fluorescence and Raman spectroscopy analytical techniques. Current laboratory CT scanners make it possible to examine the layered structures of paintings and polychrome sculptures. In the case of wood panel paintings, however, we are faced with the common deformation of the panels. So, when examining the CT data, we can only see a small section of the paint layer, and it is difficult to examine the whole artwork in its entire context. This disadvantage can be solved by a virtual straightening of the panel, as will be demonstrated.
Wood Science and Technology, 2017
Medieval wood sculptures form an important part of our cultural heritage. Their preservation, res... more Medieval wood sculptures form an important part of our cultural heritage. Their preservation, restoration and material investigations usually result in a very demanding task, which leads, however, to understanding of the historical techniques used in the medieval art workshop. The restoration of the statue of Seated Virgin Mary (1475-1480), recently attributed to the Master of the Kefermarkt Altarpiece, the National Gallery in Prague, revealed beneath the thick layer of the modern polychrome a very rare preserved original surface finish consisting of a thin monochrome glaze that was directly applied to the wood, in German specialised literature known as Holzsichtigkeit. The identification of the organic materials of the thin painting layers on original artworks is always very challenging. The monochrome red-brownish glaze was confirmed by micro-optical analyses in ultraviolet light. The layer was then analysed by means of micro-chemical test for the presence of saccharides and subsequently investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to detect particular binding medium. According to the results it occurred that storax was plausibly present. This research and identification of the surface finish of the Seated Virgin Mary sculpture open new possibilities for the interpretation and analyses of similar monochrome glaze layers of the Late Gothic carvings.
The European Physical Journal Plus, 2019
Abstract.This paper aims to summarise the results obtained during the investigation of a lavishly... more Abstract.This paper aims to summarise the results obtained during the investigation of a lavishly decorated Bohemian medieval altarpiece, which depicts the legend of St. Catherine of Alexandria, and is situated in the Church of St. Catherine in Chrudim, Eastern Bohemia. This altarpiece belongs to a unique group of high-quality medieval altarpieces which have been preserved in Chrudim. The research focused above all on the late-medieval decorative technique known as pressed brocade. The relief applications were coloured in order to imitate the luxury textile with the greatest possible precision. This process also included gilding and a coloured finish of the relief surface. The research team investigated the decorative patterns, imprints of the moulds used, the quality of the execution, the chemical composition of the filler material and, the way in which the tin relief was produced and applied onto the painted surface. The attention was paid also to the final gilding and glazing. The material investigation included a non-invasive X-ray fluorescence analysis of carefully selected samples prepared as cross-sections. The filler material underneath the tin relief were analysed using optical microscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy with X-ray microanalysis. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was then employed to identify the presence of lipid, resin and protein binding media in the composition of the filler material. The experimental data obtained during the research serves as the basis for more general conclusions concerning workshop practices in the late Middle Ages. The results will also be used to plan the complex restoration of the altarpiece.
Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 2018
Confocal micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (confocal micro-XRF) has recently become a signifi... more Confocal micro X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (confocal micro-XRF) has recently become a significant instrumental method for analyses of cultural heritage as it provides depth-resolved information on elemental distribution of the investigated samples. This work describes results of confocal micro-XRF analyses of paint layers of two Bohemian panel paintings from the half of the 15th century that are part of the collections of the National Gallery in Prague. All the measurements were performed using a table top confocal micro-XRF setup designed at the Czech Technical University in Prague. A depth-profiling was used for investigation of red and blue paint layers in order to compare the composition and structure of the used pigments. Obtained results were compared with findings from the material survey on the sample taken from the painting Assumpta from Deštná (ca 1450, inv. no. O 724) to verify their origin in the same workshop. Confocal micro-XRF provides satisfactory data to specify the art workshop.
Journal of Cultural Heritage, 2017
This paper deals with the results of a broad-based survey of both the binding media and the pigme... more This paper deals with the results of a broad-based survey of both the binding media and the pigments used during the first half of the 14th century on Bohemian panel paintings from the collections of the National Gallery in Prague. The work is focused on the specific use of oil binding media and pigments in the workshop of the Master of the Vyšší Brod Cycle, the most important painter in the period around the 1340s in Bohemia. Extensive laboratory examinations of the micro-samples were executed by means of optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy with an energy-dispersing detector (SEM/EDS), micro-Raman spectroscopy (MRS), histochemical staining (HS) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The data obtained by the multianalytical approach pointed out that the oil binding medium was used as the principal medium within colour paint layers in the Bohemian panel paintings as early as around 1340-1350. This unique identification of oil binding media opens new possibilities for the interpretation of the painting technique in Central Europe in the 14th century.
Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 2017
The presence of heavy chemical elements in old pigments is possible to identify in historical pai... more The presence of heavy chemical elements in old pigments is possible to identify in historical paintings using Xray fluorescence analysis (XRF). This is a non-destructive analytical method frequently used in examination of objects that require in situ analysis, where it is necessary to avoid damaging the object by taking samples. Different modalities are available, such as microanalysis, scanning selected areas, or depth profiling techniques. Surface scanning is particularly profitable since 2D element distribution maps are much more understandable than the results of individual analyses. Information on the layered structure of the painting can be also obtained by handheld portable systems. Results presented in our paper combine 2D element distribution maps obtained by scanning analysis, and depth profiling using conventional XRF. The latter is very suitable for objects of art, as it can be evaluated from data measured with portable XRF device. Depth profiling by conventional XRF is based on the differences in X-ray absorption in paint layers. The XRF technique was applied for analysis of panel paintings of the Master of the St George Altarpiece who was active in Prague in the 1470s and 1480s. The results were evaluated by taking micro-samples and performing a material analysis.
Radiation Physics and Chemistry, 2017
Confocal XRF spectrometer for in-situ measurements of painting was constructed. Preparation of a ... more Confocal XRF spectrometer for in-situ measurements of painting was constructed. Preparation of a sample plate of historical paint layers was described. Movable collimating optics enables us to change quickly the confocal volume.
Muzeum Muzejní a vlastivedná práce, 2021
The paper presents the interdisciplinary survey of the phonographic cylinders collection of Natio... more The paper presents the interdisciplinary survey of the phonographic cylinders collection of National Museum – Czech Museum of Music. The text was created for the New Phonograph: Listening to the History of Sound project. The paper focuses on the characterisation of long-term storage of the collection and a common form of degradation – a fair overlay on the cylinder‘s surface. As for dealing with the wide spectrum of samples in the collection, the survey is focused on the most commonly occurring phonographic cylinders and their enclosures. A representative selection of samples was analysed to clarify the character of the degradation products and its origin.
Acta Crystallographica Section A Foundations and Advances, 2017
Materials
Pigments in the paints used for the coats of arms, polychromy on sculptures, and pigments in fres... more Pigments in the paints used for the coats of arms, polychromy on sculptures, and pigments in frescoes characterize not only the epoch but also individual creators or groups of artists involved in their creation. X-ray fluorescence analysis is a non-destructive method suitable for determining the chemical composition of these artifacts. This article covers the results of measurements of selected objects, and compares them with similar objects from the territory of the Czech Kingdom in the 14th century.
A set of scientific methods (X-ray analyses, optical and electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy ... more A set of scientific methods (X-ray analyses, optical and electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and thermal analyses) was used for research of ceramic bodies and glazes of forty vessels from Renaissance Prague. The set of early modern age archaeological glazed ceramics contained tableware, kitchenware and technical ceramics. The main aim was to characterize ceramic materials and glazes over two centuries. Attention was also paid to identification of defects and corrosion products of the glazes. The research was conducted with an emphasis on the context of the original use of ceramic artefacts and the environment of waste pits from which they were excavated. Among the archaeological finding, three vessels of technical ceramics were found (a rectifier, a bowl and a jar) which together could have formed a distillation apparatus. Since these vessels represent a unique finding, they were subjected to a detailed survey. Based on the similarity of ceramic bodies and glazes, it was proved ...