This paper describes the surface characterization of artificial patina layers on five different copper alloys. The chemical composition of the examined bronzes covers the major families of archaeological copper alloys from antiquity until the Roman period. The patina layers of the five samples were formed under identical conditions by electrochemical means. Light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray micro analysis (SEM-EDX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to describe the main properties of the patina layers. The results were interpreted and classified according to an existing corrosion model for copper alloys. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.