In the context of Cleveland Apollo, discuss the Scientific Investigation of the Controversy About Originality.
Comparatively few bronzes like Apollo exist for study. The Cleveland Museum has a rare opportunity to expand the small body of knowledge regarding casting large bronzes during the classical period. Visual examination is a first step in an evaluation. The borescope (a long flexible tube with a camera and fiber-optic lighting) was used to inspect the inside of the head and found several modern repair materials. A CT scan (computed tomography), like an x-ray, was done resulting in information to allow the bronze to be seen in slices. Viewing the slices digitally allowed the for higher resolution and development of a three-dimensional digital form. The figure is made of highly leaded bronze, as appropriate for a bronze casting during the classical antiquity. Samples of the bronze and small pieces of wood were taken to be carbon-dated to show when the sculpture was exposed to high heat. As of 2017, the samples were still being studied.More recent testing and analysis of the Cleveland Apollo have resolved several questions. The reassembled bronze fragments, hand, forearm, and python belong together; they were cast from the same melt as confirmed by the metal composition, corrosion history and the lead content. The corrosion suggests that the figure was exposed to the atmosphere over an extended time after it was excavated. This corrosion testing revealed that the base plate does not appear to be entirely original. But the lead is similar suggesting that it may be part of the original and repurposed as the base plate. The figure displays evidence of having been in a fire occurring after excavation. Samples of the charcoal from the forearm were carbon-dated as being much older than the Roman or Greek periods. It is possible that the samples were contaminated during restoration.Efforts between 2009 and 2021 to improve understanding of the Apollo have led to more questions. The testing has advanced the understanding of the sculpture, but the statue will continue to provide new chances for more research.
CT scan carbon-dated t