Abstract
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.
Highlights
In recent decades, research efforts have dramatically advanced the knowledge of historical musical instruments in terms of finishing techniques and analytical approaches applied to characterize the utilized materials [1,2], focusing attention on bowed string instruments of the Cremonese tradition between the 17th and 18th centuries
Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR) analysis (Section 3.2) could imply the presence of protein-based wood treatments, such as animal glue and/or potassium/calcium caseinate, which could have been applied before varnishing the surface [10]
This study presents the first analytical results obtained on the “Coristo” mand one of the two existing mandolins made by Antonio Stradivari, through the combin
Summary
Research efforts have dramatically advanced the knowledge of historical musical instruments in terms of finishing techniques and analytical approaches applied to characterize the utilized materials [1,2], focusing attention on bowed string instruments of the Cremonese tradition between the 17th and 18th centuries. The most famous luthier of this period is the renowned Master Antonio Stradivari (Cremona, 1644–1737), who left numerous excellent musical instruments and several traces of his works, including drawings, molds, and tools [3], but not written sources of his finishing techniques For this reason, the role of scientific investigation is crucial to characterize the finish of the instruments, which was revealed to be a complex multi-layered coating system where each layer is likely representative of a specific step of the finishing procedure. The varnish was enriched with low concentrations of mineral pigments, mostly Fe-based earth or organic colorants, to give a slightly colorful appearance while keeping the transparency and glossy effect [8,9,10,11]. Bone ash and pumice have been suggested as minerals added to stabilize
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