Authentication of an Old Violin by Multianalytical Methods

Abstract

The paper presents the authentication of a Stradivari 1737 type violin, which belonged to the Romanian scientist Ştefan Odobleja. The analytical methods used in the study for assessing archaeometric characteristics of some component materials, along with the white degree and glycolysis rate measurements of the label that allowed an extensive evaluation of the violin, were OM, SEM–EDX, and micro-FTIR. The preparation binder (egg white from thin gypsum layers) and the varnish (identification of linseed oil and colophony components, alongside contamination impurities) were assessed in order to evaluate the artefact conservation state, as well as the restoration and counterfeiting interventions. We can conclude that the violin was done by a violin maker from the Stradivari family, and it is a replica of the violins of that period.

Archaeometric and Chemometric Studies Involved in the Authentication of Old Heritage Artefacts II. Old linden and poplar wood put into work

“…It should be emphasized that authenticity depends on how the object is defined and can be understood differently, depending on the context. To be authentic, an object must be intact, as it was created, or as a result of the passage of time [6][7][8][9].…”

“…The first ones, along with the originality of the material and the technology of putting it into practice, are references to other types of authenticity, which, together with paternity, value share, ranking, and age form the group of patrimonial elements or patrimonial features, that characterize and differentiate an object. Also, the traces of time passage, historical wear and use, are part of the historical stratification, translated by the patina and fix the object in time and space, making it unique [4][5][6][7][8][9].…”

Tunable Acoustic Properties Using Different Coating Systems on Resonance Spruce Wood

“…OPUS 7.2 software was employed for the further processing of the recorded spectra obtaining the min–max normalized average spectra for all the investigated samples. [ 32,38‐41 ]…”

X-ray Imaging and Computed Tomography for the Identification of Geometry and Construction Elements in the Structure of Old Violins

“…The current shape of the violin was established by Andrea Amati (1505-1578); over time, violin makers brought only small changes into the constructive elements, almost imperceptible to an ordinary visual analysis. Many of these musical instruments are rare examples of high artistic mastery and are still used as a reference in the contemporary manufacture of violins [1][2][3]. In addition to the consecrated violin makers mentioned above, violin making workshops have been developed in other regions of Europe, through violin makers who completed their apprenticeship in Italian violin makers' workshops and who imprinted the specifics of the area on their violin models.…”