http://hdl.handle.net/10174/29429 2026-04-04T00:51:56Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/39534 Title: The “Black Panther”: A multi-analytical study on the statue of the football player Eusébio da Silva Ferreira Authors: Pinheiro, Ana Catarina; Coutinho, Mathilda Larsson; Bottaini, Carlo; Araújo, Marius; Maia, Bárbara Campos; Madureira, Joana; Pereira, Filipa Abstract: The iconic Eusébio da Silva Ferreira statue attracts a lot of attention from Sport Lisboa e Benfica Football fans and fans worldwide who, eager to show their affection and respect for the player, touch and pose with the statue, a proximity that the sports Club promotes and encourages. The statue (classified as a bronze but the alloy was not known) is in a good state of conservation but localised signs of possible corrosion – visible green/blue, orange and white stains - appear intermittently and an alteration to the original position of the statue leaves a cloud of uncertainty when it comes to its physical stability. To address these questions a multi-analytical combined approach was devised with the use of portable equipment (digital microscope, h-XRF, 3D scanner and a Pundit PL-200) and laboratory techniques (µXRD, µRaman and VP-SEM-EDS). Contrary to what was previously thought, the sculpture was produced using a ternary Cu–Sn–Zn alloy rich in Pb. The coloured deposits analysed revealed the presence of Cu, Fe and Zn which translates into active corrosion that needs to be closely monitored. Other deposits are due to atmospheric debris. Copper phthalocyanine, a blue-green pigment was identified which may be related to the patina. The ultrasound technique has allowed the determination of the relative thickness of the statue but fell short of determining the actual position of a sustaining inner rod. Further studies are needed to address this issue. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/39512 Title: Tracing Local Production and Agricultural Trade: A Multi-Analytical Study of Roman Amphorae at Conímbriga (Central Portugal) Authors: Buraca, Ida; Olveira, César; Bottaini, Carlo; Correia, Vírgilio Hipólito; Schiavon, Nicola; Mirão, José; Beltrame, Massimo Abstract: Amphorae are a significant type of Roman pottery, serving as both transport containers and indicators of economic and technological practices across the Empire. Despite their importance in interpreting local economic dynamics in Roman Lusitania, the production origins, technological characteristics and functional roles of amphorae from Conímbriga in Portugal remain poorly understood. Previous research has focused primarily on typological comparisons with imported forms, providing limited insight into whether these vessels were produced locally or how they were incorporated into regional trade and agricultural systems. This study takes a multi-analytical approach to examine a group of ten amphorae dating from the 1st to the 5th century AD. While these vessels formally resemble well-known types from Gaul and Hispania, they appear to have been manufactured locally using fabrics consistent with those found in regional common wares. To examine the raw materials, production techniques and possible contents, the analysis integrates a typological assessment with a range of archaeometric methods, including optical microscopy (OM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). Recent gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) results contextualise these data further, enabling an exploration of how specific technological choices may have influenced or reflected the intended function of the amphorae. The findings shed new light on local ceramic production and contributed to broader debates concerning Roman provincial economies and material culture. 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/38801 Title: The Decorated Garden Grotto of Condes de Basto Palace in Évora, Portugal: Microbial Community Characterization and Biocide Tests for Conservation Authors: Silva, I; Salvador, Cátia; Arantes, S; Miller, A; Candeias, A; Caldeira, A Teresa Abstract: The Eugénio de Almeida Foundation’s Casa de Fresco is a historical monument of valuable historic–artistic significance, which currently reveals an assortment of biofilms due to the proliferation of microorganisms in the stone and rocaille elements. The biodeterioration in this area was studied as part of the Conservation and Restoration Project. We effectively characterized the local microbial community using modern high-throughput DNA analysis. Our results suggested the existence of a variety of lichens or lichenized fungi, including genera such as Variospora, Verrucaria, Circinaria, and Caloplaca. Furthermore, we detected several prokaryote microorganisms related to the identification of these lichens. To properly deal with this microbiological issue and avoid fungal recolonization, we evaluated available commercial antimicrobial treatments. 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10174/38799 Title: Prospection of the red biological patinas influencing the urban scenery architecture in Portuguese territory Authors: Sitzia, F; Lisci, C; Dias, L; Arantes, S; Caldeira, A Teresa Abstract: Portugal’s architecture reflects a rich history influenced by Roman, Moorish, Neoclassical and Romantic styles, with the 20th century marked by Art Deco and colonial influences. Regional styles vary, with white-painted buildings commonly experiencing color changes due to biofilm formation. Visually striking are the red-colored biological patinascommon in the coastal areas. A survey of 120 historical buildings affected by bio-colonization helps to understand the reasons for the patinas’ growing, which beyond natural factors, is often linked to construction defects. A characterization of four samples utilizes Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to identify the microorganisms composing the red biofilm, while the SEM-EDS, FTIR-ATR and XRD techniques provide further insights into the biofilm and substrate features. The comprehensive data of biochemical characterization indicate a wide variety of microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi, some of which exhibit potential as producers of a UV-tolerant red/yellow pigment (carotenoid) responsible for the macroscopic coloration of bio-colonization. 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z