Scientific Research Reveals Hidden Histories of Byzantine Ivory Artifacts at Bode Museum

A research project at Berlin's Bode Museum has investigated its collection of late antique and Byzantine ivory artifacts using scientific methods. Stipend recipient Ophelia Kloth, working with the Rathgen Research Laboratory, examined 15 objects that were temporarily removed from display. The study revealed previously unknown details, including evidence of original gilding on a relief depicting Eve through pink discoloration caused by decomposed gold nanoparticles. Analysis of a 6th-century diptych confirmed its dating through copper-based ink detection, while other objects showed traces of 19th-century casting processes. The research was funded by the Ernst von Siemens Kunststiftung and will be published this year, with findings to be presented in the 'Konservierungswissenschaft im Dialog' lecture series.