Maria Pia Riccardi
Biographic Data
| ID | 169851 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Maria Pia Riccardi |
| GIVEN NAMES | Maria Pia |
| FAMILY NAME | Riccardi |
| SIGNATURE | RICCARDI M P |
| AFFILIATIONS | University of Pavia |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-9262-9804 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 27 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 105 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 27 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 1999 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 6 |
Calcarenite-Derived Lime Mortars Without Externally Added Aggregate: Experimental Validation and Implications for Historical Construction Technologies
Conventional lime mortars are commonly described as composite systems based on the functional separation between binder and aggregate. However, some historical mortars show microstructural features suggesting that both functions may derive from a single heterogeneous raw material. The experimental contribution of this study is the controlled production and testing of a reference mortar in which Panchina calcarenite is the sole solid precursor, su…
Scientific Art in Glass: Archaeometric Analysis and Conservation of Blaschka Models
Leopold Blaschka (1822–1895) and his son Rudolf (1857–1939) created scientifically accurate glass models of marine invertebrates that reshaped natural history education in the 19th century. Their work overcame the limitations of traditional preservation techniques, allowing for detailed and lifelike representations of soft-bodied sea creatures and botanic species. Today, their models are preserved in prestigious collections worldwide. This paper …
When from Technology Comes Beauty: A Glass-Gem Case Study to Promote Inclusive and High-Quality Learning Paths in Heritage Science
The glass-gem collection at the National Archeological Museum of Aquileia (Italy) was recently studied by in-depth archaeometric investigation campaigns, which are still running. Some objects in this very rich collection were characterized by performing a completely non-destructive analysis. In order to enhance our knowledge of Heritage Science, specific educational paths were designed, which, in one case, were already tested in a summer school i…
A mineralogical and geochemical database of Fe‐bearing mineral pigments from the south‐eastern alpine region
The provenance of yellow, red, and green Fe‐bearing mineral pigments used in archaeological and artistic contexts is pivotal in archaeological science providing information on trading activities, commercial routes, and procurement of appropriate raw materials. To support these studies, mineralogical and geochemical databases are required. The research presents a complete database of raw materials collected in the western sector of the Lessini Mou…
High resolution neutron tomography as non-invasive tool for the study of a filigree from the Medieval Chiaravalle Cross
On Blue and Green Pigments from the St. George Cathedral of Veliky Novgorod
This paper presents the first analytical data obtained from the examination of fragments of stunning Russian–Byzantine frescoes recovered from an archaeological excavation at Veliky Novgorod, one of the oldest cities in Russia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archaeologists of the Institute of Archaeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences have been working on architectural excavations at Novgorod for more than 20 years. In the last seven ye…
Petro-Archaeometric Study of Pre-Roman Pottery from the Archaeological Site of Bec Berciassa (Roccavione, Cuneo, North-West Italy): Technological Remarks from Petrographic Study of Tempers
The petro-archaeometric study of ceramics from the Rittatore excavations, Bec Berciassa archaeological site, was carried out on pottery sherds attributed to an older phase dating back to the Late Bronze Age. This collection represents a small sampling of pottery and the chronology of most of this material is homogeneously ascribable to a period between the 6th and the beginning of the 4th century BC (Iron Age). In addition to the archaeometric st…
Glass-based pigments in painting: Smalt blue and lead-tin yellow type II
Glass-based pigments have an important role in the panorama of artistic production due to the fact that their manufacturing processes involve a combination of different skills and understanding, and they have a role in disciplines ranging from glass technology to metallurgy, from glazed ceramic to stone imitation and from vitreous mosaic tesserae to painting materials. The main goal of this manuscript is to present a critical review of the litera…
The Chiaravalle Cross: Results of a Multidisciplinary Study
The Chiaravalle Cross, a masterpiece of Mediaeval goldsmithery, went under restoration in 2016. This was a unique opportunity to undertake an in-depth multidisciplinary study. Several issues were addressed, as for example the chronology of the Cross, lacking any official document about it. The scientific investigations included in situ and laboratory measurements, and the analyses, part of a multidisciplinary protocol, completely characterized th…
Improving sustainable cultural heritage restoration work through life cycle assessment based model
Heat Treatment of Mineral Pigment During the Upper Palaeolithic in North‐East Italy
The use of red ochre for utilitarian, symbolic and artistic purposes is widely documented in prehistoric contexts. The absence of adequate red‐coloured raw materials influenced the development of technological activities aimed at modifying the original physiochemical properties of yellow ochre. The heat treatment of goethite to obtain hematite was investigated in the western sector of the Lessini Mountains in north‐east Italy, where red ochre was…
Textural, microstructural, and compositional characteristics of Fe‐based geomaterials and Upper Paleolithic ocher in the Lessini Mountains, Northeast Italy: Implications for provenance studies
Provenance research of archaeological ocher contributes to understanding the capabilities of prehistoric humans to select, process, and treat suitable raw materials for symbolic and utilitarian purposes. The western part of the Lessini Mountains in the Veneto region of northeast Italy is an ideal location for this type of study as it features several different Fe‐rich deposits, and many examples of archaeological ocher have been found in the near…
Sourcing and processing of ochre during the late upper Palaeolithic at Tagliente rock-shelter (NE Italy) based on conventional X-ray powder diffraction analysis
Disclosing mineralogical phases in medioeval iron nails by non-destructive neutron techniques
Representative archaeological finds of pietra ollare from Comacchio (Italy): Identifying provenance and high-T mineral breakdown reactions hindering lithotype classification
The life cycle approach as an innovative methodology for the recovery and restoration of cultural heritage
Purpose – In this paper, of exploratory character, the purpose of this paper is to propose the analysis of the life cycle for assessing the environmental, economic, and social impact in the activity of recovery, restoration, and valorization of Cultural Heritage. Design/methodology/approach – The analysis protocol is applied to the case of recovery and restoration processes and then outlining the salient features of what may become a model of Cul…
A particular temper: Mineralogical and petrographic characterisation of ceramic fabrics with glauconitic inclusions
This paper focuses on the mineralogical and petrographic characterisation of ceramic fabrics rich in glauconitic pellets, found out in a few local productions of European and Mediterranean sites dated from Prehistory to the Middle Ages. The main distinguishing features of glauconitic inclusions are their rounded shape, dark colour and peculiar chemical composition. During the firing – as also evidenced by a few preliminary experimental tests on g…
Incised Slipware Production at Castelfiorentino (Florence): The ‘Via Bertini’ Site (15th–17th Centuries)
This study deals with the physical–chemical and mineralogical–petrographic investigations (OM, SEM–EDS, EPMA, ICP, XRpD, Mössbauer and IR) conducted on first‐ and second‐firing wasters belonging to two types of incised slipware (sgraffito), manufactured at Castelfiorentino between the late 15th and the early 17th centuries. Raw materials, colouring agents and firing products were analysed in order to establish the production technology of the cer…
Characterization of Plasters and Mortars as a Tool in Archaeological Studies: The Case of Lardirago Castle in Pavia, Northern Italy
Plasters and mortars from Lardirago Castle (Pavia, northern Italy) have been characterized by means of petrographical and chemical analyses in order to achieve technical and historical evidence of material production. The study focused on the oldest nucleus of the structure, where hidden plastered masonry has been discovered recently. Textural and compositional data of the binder and the aggregate fractions were collected by means of optical micr…
Stones From Medieval Glassmaking: A Suitable Waste Product for Reconstructing an Early Stage of the Melting Process in the Mt Lecco Glass Factory
The Mt Lecco glass factory was one of the most important production centres in Liguria (Italy) during the 14th and 15th centuries. Archaeological evidence indicates that the whole production cycle took place here. During the glassworking process, production defects such as ‘stones’ were identified and discarded. Stones are partially melted, glass‐coated relics of raw materials or fragments of crucible. The study of the microtexture of stones toge…
From Siena to Barcelona: Deciphering colour recipes of Na-rich Mediterranean stained glass windows at the XIII-XIV century transition
Physico-chemical and mineralogical study of ceramic findings from Mary City - Turkmenistan
Microtextural and microchemical studies of hydraulic ancient mortars: Two analytical approaches to understand pre-industrial technology processes
Alteration behaviour of glass panes from the medieval Pavia Charterhouse (Italy)
Colour Attributes of Medieval Window Panes: Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and Probe Microanalyses on Stained Glass Windows From Pavia Carthusian Monastery
Stained glass windows from the Carthusian Monastery of Pavia, dating back to the 15th century, were studied by combining two analytical techniques: electron probe micro‐analysis (EPMA) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Chemical compositions and oxidation states of the transition ions, present as minor elements, were investigated by EPMA and EPR, respectively, in order to ascertain the role played by chromophorous ions in the glass colora…
Glass-based pigments in painting: Smalt blue and lead-tin yellow type II
Glass-based pigments have an important role in the panorama of artistic production due to the fact that their manufacturing processes involve a combination of different skills and understanding, and they have a role in disciplines ranging from glass technology to metallurgy, from glazed ceramic to stone imitation and from vitreous mosaic tesserae to painting materials. The main goal of this manuscript is to present a critical review of the litera…
Sourcing and processing of ochre during the late upper Palaeolithic at Tagliente rock-shelter (NE Italy) based on conventional X-ray powder diffraction analysis
Heat Treatment of Mineral Pigment During the Upper Palaeolithic in North‐East Italy
The use of red ochre for utilitarian, symbolic and artistic purposes is widely documented in prehistoric contexts. The absence of adequate red‐coloured raw materials influenced the development of technological activities aimed at modifying the original physiochemical properties of yellow ochre. The heat treatment of goethite to obtain hematite was investigated in the western sector of the Lessini Mountains in north‐east Italy, where red ochre was…
Textural, microstructural, and compositional characteristics of Fe‐based geomaterials and Upper Paleolithic ocher in the Lessini Mountains, Northeast Italy: Implications for provenance studies
Provenance research of archaeological ocher contributes to understanding the capabilities of prehistoric humans to select, process, and treat suitable raw materials for symbolic and utilitarian purposes. The western part of the Lessini Mountains in the Veneto region of northeast Italy is an ideal location for this type of study as it features several different Fe‐rich deposits, and many examples of archaeological ocher have been found in the near…
Characterization of Plasters and Mortars as a Tool in Archaeological Studies: The Case of Lardirago Castle in Pavia, Northern Italy
Plasters and mortars from Lardirago Castle (Pavia, northern Italy) have been characterized by means of petrographical and chemical analyses in order to achieve technical and historical evidence of material production. The study focused on the oldest nucleus of the structure, where hidden plastered masonry has been discovered recently. Textural and compositional data of the binder and the aggregate fractions were collected by means of optical micr…
Microtextural and microchemical studies of hydraulic ancient mortars: Two analytical approaches to understand pre-industrial technology processes
Improving sustainable cultural heritage restoration work through life cycle assessment based model
A particular temper: Mineralogical and petrographic characterisation of ceramic fabrics with glauconitic inclusions
This paper focuses on the mineralogical and petrographic characterisation of ceramic fabrics rich in glauconitic pellets, found out in a few local productions of European and Mediterranean sites dated from Prehistory to the Middle Ages. The main distinguishing features of glauconitic inclusions are their rounded shape, dark colour and peculiar chemical composition. During the firing – as also evidenced by a few preliminary experimental tests on g…
Stones From Medieval Glassmaking: A Suitable Waste Product for Reconstructing an Early Stage of the Melting Process in the Mt Lecco Glass Factory
The Mt Lecco glass factory was one of the most important production centres in Liguria (Italy) during the 14th and 15th centuries. Archaeological evidence indicates that the whole production cycle took place here. During the glassworking process, production defects such as ‘stones’ were identified and discarded. Stones are partially melted, glass‐coated relics of raw materials or fragments of crucible. The study of the microtexture of stones toge…
Technological features of the 'Cotto Variegato: A Petrological Approach
Representative archaeological finds of pietra ollare from Comacchio (Italy): Identifying provenance and high-T mineral breakdown reactions hindering lithotype classification
Physico-chemical and mineralogical study of ceramic findings from Mary City - Turkmenistan
Colour Attributes of Medieval Window Panes: Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and Probe Microanalyses on Stained Glass Windows From Pavia Carthusian Monastery
Stained glass windows from the Carthusian Monastery of Pavia, dating back to the 15th century, were studied by combining two analytical techniques: electron probe micro‐analysis (EPMA) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Chemical compositions and oxidation states of the transition ions, present as minor elements, were investigated by EPMA and EPR, respectively, in order to ascertain the role played by chromophorous ions in the glass colora…
Disclosing mineralogical phases in medioeval iron nails by non-destructive neutron techniques
Incised Slipware Production at Castelfiorentino (Florence): The ‘Via Bertini’ Site (15th–17th Centuries)
This study deals with the physical–chemical and mineralogical–petrographic investigations (OM, SEM–EDS, EPMA, ICP, XRpD, Mössbauer and IR) conducted on first‐ and second‐firing wasters belonging to two types of incised slipware (sgraffito), manufactured at Castelfiorentino between the late 15th and the early 17th centuries. Raw materials, colouring agents and firing products were analysed in order to establish the production technology of the cer…
A mineralogical and geochemical database of Fe‐bearing mineral pigments from the south‐eastern alpine region
The provenance of yellow, red, and green Fe‐bearing mineral pigments used in archaeological and artistic contexts is pivotal in archaeological science providing information on trading activities, commercial routes, and procurement of appropriate raw materials. To support these studies, mineralogical and geochemical databases are required. The research presents a complete database of raw materials collected in the western sector of the Lessini Mou…
The Chiaravalle Cross: Results of a Multidisciplinary Study
The Chiaravalle Cross, a masterpiece of Mediaeval goldsmithery, went under restoration in 2016. This was a unique opportunity to undertake an in-depth multidisciplinary study. Several issues were addressed, as for example the chronology of the Cross, lacking any official document about it. The scientific investigations included in situ and laboratory measurements, and the analyses, part of a multidisciplinary protocol, completely characterized th…
From Siena to Barcelona: Deciphering colour recipes of Na-rich Mediterranean stained glass windows at the XIII-XIV century transition
Alteration behaviour of glass panes from the medieval Pavia Charterhouse (Italy)
An approach to the dynamics of clay firing
Technological features of the 'Cotto Variegato: A Petrological Approach
Colour Attributes of Medieval Window Panes: Electron Paramagnetic Resonance and Probe Microanalyses on Stained Glass Windows From Pavia Carthusian Monastery
Stained glass windows from the Carthusian Monastery of Pavia, dating back to the 15th century, were studied by combining two analytical techniques: electron probe micro‐analysis (EPMA) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR). Chemical compositions and oxidation states of the transition ions, present as minor elements, were investigated by EPMA and EPR, respectively, in order to ascertain the role played by chromophorous ions in the glass colora…
Alteration behaviour of glass panes from the medieval Pavia Charterhouse (Italy)
Physico-chemical and mineralogical study of ceramic findings from Mary City - Turkmenistan
Microtextural and microchemical studies of hydraulic ancient mortars: Two analytical approaches to understand pre-industrial technology processes
A particular temper: Mineralogical and petrographic characterisation of ceramic fabrics with glauconitic inclusions
This paper focuses on the mineralogical and petrographic characterisation of ceramic fabrics rich in glauconitic pellets, found out in a few local productions of European and Mediterranean sites dated from Prehistory to the Middle Ages. The main distinguishing features of glauconitic inclusions are their rounded shape, dark colour and peculiar chemical composition. During the firing – as also evidenced by a few preliminary experimental tests on g…
Incised Slipware Production at Castelfiorentino (Florence): The ‘Via Bertini’ Site (15th–17th Centuries)
This study deals with the physical–chemical and mineralogical–petrographic investigations (OM, SEM–EDS, EPMA, ICP, XRpD, Mössbauer and IR) conducted on first‐ and second‐firing wasters belonging to two types of incised slipware (sgraffito), manufactured at Castelfiorentino between the late 15th and the early 17th centuries. Raw materials, colouring agents and firing products were analysed in order to establish the production technology of the cer…
Characterization of Plasters and Mortars as a Tool in Archaeological Studies: The Case of Lardirago Castle in Pavia, Northern Italy
Plasters and mortars from Lardirago Castle (Pavia, northern Italy) have been characterized by means of petrographical and chemical analyses in order to achieve technical and historical evidence of material production. The study focused on the oldest nucleus of the structure, where hidden plastered masonry has been discovered recently. Textural and compositional data of the binder and the aggregate fractions were collected by means of optical micr…
Stones From Medieval Glassmaking: A Suitable Waste Product for Reconstructing an Early Stage of the Melting Process in the Mt Lecco Glass Factory
The Mt Lecco glass factory was one of the most important production centres in Liguria (Italy) during the 14th and 15th centuries. Archaeological evidence indicates that the whole production cycle took place here. During the glassworking process, production defects such as ‘stones’ were identified and discarded. Stones are partially melted, glass‐coated relics of raw materials or fragments of crucible. The study of the microtexture of stones toge…
From Siena to Barcelona: Deciphering colour recipes of Na-rich Mediterranean stained glass windows at the XIII-XIV century transition
The life cycle approach as an innovative methodology for the recovery and restoration of cultural heritage
Purpose – In this paper, of exploratory character, the purpose of this paper is to propose the analysis of the life cycle for assessing the environmental, economic, and social impact in the activity of recovery, restoration, and valorization of Cultural Heritage. Design/methodology/approach – The analysis protocol is applied to the case of recovery and restoration processes and then outlining the salient features of what may become a model of Cul…
Representative archaeological finds of pietra ollare from Comacchio (Italy): Identifying provenance and high-T mineral breakdown reactions hindering lithotype classification
Textural, microstructural, and compositional characteristics of Fe‐based geomaterials and Upper Paleolithic ocher in the Lessini Mountains, Northeast Italy: Implications for provenance studies
Provenance research of archaeological ocher contributes to understanding the capabilities of prehistoric humans to select, process, and treat suitable raw materials for symbolic and utilitarian purposes. The western part of the Lessini Mountains in the Veneto region of northeast Italy is an ideal location for this type of study as it features several different Fe‐rich deposits, and many examples of archaeological ocher have been found in the near…
Sourcing and processing of ochre during the late upper Palaeolithic at Tagliente rock-shelter (NE Italy) based on conventional X-ray powder diffraction analysis
Disclosing mineralogical phases in medioeval iron nails by non-destructive neutron techniques
Improving sustainable cultural heritage restoration work through life cycle assessment based model
Heat Treatment of Mineral Pigment During the Upper Palaeolithic in North‐East Italy
The use of red ochre for utilitarian, symbolic and artistic purposes is widely documented in prehistoric contexts. The absence of adequate red‐coloured raw materials influenced the development of technological activities aimed at modifying the original physiochemical properties of yellow ochre. The heat treatment of goethite to obtain hematite was investigated in the western sector of the Lessini Mountains in north‐east Italy, where red ochre was…
The Chiaravalle Cross: Results of a Multidisciplinary Study
The Chiaravalle Cross, a masterpiece of Mediaeval goldsmithery, went under restoration in 2016. This was a unique opportunity to undertake an in-depth multidisciplinary study. Several issues were addressed, as for example the chronology of the Cross, lacking any official document about it. The scientific investigations included in situ and laboratory measurements, and the analyses, part of a multidisciplinary protocol, completely characterized th…
Glass-based pigments in painting: Smalt blue and lead-tin yellow type II
Glass-based pigments have an important role in the panorama of artistic production due to the fact that their manufacturing processes involve a combination of different skills and understanding, and they have a role in disciplines ranging from glass technology to metallurgy, from glazed ceramic to stone imitation and from vitreous mosaic tesserae to painting materials. The main goal of this manuscript is to present a critical review of the litera…
On Blue and Green Pigments from the St. George Cathedral of Veliky Novgorod
This paper presents the first analytical data obtained from the examination of fragments of stunning Russian–Byzantine frescoes recovered from an archaeological excavation at Veliky Novgorod, one of the oldest cities in Russia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archaeologists of the Institute of Archaeology of the Russian Academy of Sciences have been working on architectural excavations at Novgorod for more than 20 years. In the last seven ye…
Petro-Archaeometric Study of Pre-Roman Pottery from the Archaeological Site of Bec Berciassa (Roccavione, Cuneo, North-West Italy): Technological Remarks from Petrographic Study of Tempers
The petro-archaeometric study of ceramics from the Rittatore excavations, Bec Berciassa archaeological site, was carried out on pottery sherds attributed to an older phase dating back to the Late Bronze Age. This collection represents a small sampling of pottery and the chronology of most of this material is homogeneously ascribable to a period between the 6th and the beginning of the 4th century BC (Iron Age). In addition to the archaeometric st…
Scientific Art in Glass: Archaeometric Analysis and Conservation of Blaschka Models
Leopold Blaschka (1822–1895) and his son Rudolf (1857–1939) created scientifically accurate glass models of marine invertebrates that reshaped natural history education in the 19th century. Their work overcame the limitations of traditional preservation techniques, allowing for detailed and lifelike representations of soft-bodied sea creatures and botanic species. Today, their models are preserved in prestigious collections worldwide. This paper …
When from Technology Comes Beauty: A Glass-Gem Case Study to Promote Inclusive and High-Quality Learning Paths in Heritage Science
The glass-gem collection at the National Archeological Museum of Aquileia (Italy) was recently studied by in-depth archaeometric investigation campaigns, which are still running. Some objects in this very rich collection were characterized by performing a completely non-destructive analysis. In order to enhance our knowledge of Heritage Science, specific educational paths were designed, which, in one case, were already tested in a summer school i…
A mineralogical and geochemical database of Fe‐bearing mineral pigments from the south‐eastern alpine region
The provenance of yellow, red, and green Fe‐bearing mineral pigments used in archaeological and artistic contexts is pivotal in archaeological science providing information on trading activities, commercial routes, and procurement of appropriate raw materials. To support these studies, mineralogical and geochemical databases are required. The research presents a complete database of raw materials collected in the western sector of the Lessini Mou…
Cultural Heritage Materials Analysis (23 works) · Building materials and conservation (17 works) · Geology (16 works) · Archaeology (15 works) · Mineralogy (15 works) · Materials Science (14 works) · Conservation Techniques and Studies (13 works) · Chemistry (12 works) · Geography (12 works) · Metallurgy (10 works)