THE GILDING TECHNIQUE ON LEAD OBJECTS OF THE ROYAL PALACE IN CASERTA STUDIED BY pXRF

Several lead objects were found gilded at the Royal Palace in Caserta (1752, Italy) and the gilding technique of nine of them was analysed. Historical research shows that lead was used because of its easy workability, wide availability, and low cost, and was also gilded like wood or stucco. XRF analysis made it possible to determine the elemental composition of the layering created for gilding, highlighting its characteristics and differences. Standard samples with similar features were made for the characterization of the stratigraphy of interest through the XRF technique. The novelty found in this study is that lead was also gilded using the gouache technique, that is a layering with gesso, Armenian bolus and gold leaf. The restoration interventions carried out in the past were highlighted. The results found are very useful for museum conservators and restorers as well as for research. KEYWORDS: Gilding on lead, Gouache gilding, Lead artworks, Royal Palace in Caserta, XRF technique.