New Insights on the Stradivari “Coristo” Mandolin: A Combined Non-Invasive Spectroscopic Approach

Applied Sciences

Francesca Volpi¹  Giacomo Fiocco¹  Tommaso Rovetta¹  Michela Albano¹  Claudia Invernizzi¹  Marco Malagodi¹  Maurizio Licchelli² 

[1] Arvedi Laboratory of Non-Invasive Diagnostics, CISRiC, University of Pavia, Via bell’Aspa 3, 26100 Cremona, Italy;Department of Chemistry, University of Pavia, Via Taramelli 12, 27100 Pavia, Italy;

关键词: Stradivari;    musical instrument;    mandolin;    varnish;    coatings;    multi-layered structure;   

DOI  :  10.3390/app112411626

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

In this work, one of the two existing mandolins made by Antonio Stradivari has been investigated for the first time, as a rare exemplar of the lesser-known class of plucked string instruments. The mandolin was studied by non-invasive reflection Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) on different areas previously selected by UV-induced fluorescence imaging. The analytical campaign was aimed at (i) identifying the materials used by Stradivari in the finishing of the mandolin, (ii) comparing these materials with those traditionally used in violin making, and (iii) increasing the knowledge of materials and techniques applied by Stradivari in the rare production of plucked string instruments. The combined spectroscopic approach allowed us to hypothesize original materials and finishing procedures similar to those used in violin making: a possible sizing treatment of the wood with protein-based materials and silicates, externally coated with an oil–resin varnish. XRF results were essential to support FT-IR findings and to detect possible iron-based pigments in the finishing layers. Moreover, it permitted us to distinguish original areas from the restored areas, including the purflings on the top plate and the varnished area on the treble side of the mandolin for which the originality was assumed.

【 授权许可】

Unknown