What pigments were used in the frescoes of Pompeii? Study published on the subject

The scientific article Pompeian pigments has been published in the international Journal of Archaeological Science. A glimpse into ancient Roman coloring materials. The study is the result of a fruitful collaboration between the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, the Mineralogy and Petrography research group of the Department of Science and Technology of the University of Sannio, and scholars from the Department of Earth, Environmental and Resource Sciences of the Federico II University of Naples.

The research focused on the study of pigments found in a number of Pompeian contexts, ranging from the 3rd century B.C. to the eruption of 79 A.D., covering almost the entire pictorial palette of the artists of the time. The analysis identified a variety of natural and synthetic, inorganic and organic pigments.

Using a noninvasive analytical approach, based on a combination of microscopy and spectroscopy techniques, it was possible to preserve these assets for the future. This method revealed how ancient artists skillfully mixed raw materials to achieve awide range of color tones.

Among the most significant results is the identification of the first hitherto known use of a new gray color, in which the presence of barite and alunite provides the first evidence of the use of barium sulfate in the Mediterranean in ancient times.

The collaboration also includes in-depth study of the colors used in Pompeian frescoes, taking advantage of the scientific possibilities offered by the new excavations underway. Non-invasive diagnostic analyses are conducted in synergy with restoration activities. The latest campaign of studies involved the “red room” of the House of Thiasus, further enriching the understanding of the painting techniques of the period.

“This study represents a significant step forward in the understanding of the painting techniques of the ancient Romans,” said Celestino Grifa, associate professor of Petrography and Petrology at the Department of Science and Technology of the University of Sannio. “The ability to accurately quantify coloring compounds in mixtures has allowed us to review the artistic process of wall paintings, which involved mixing pure pigments-particularly Egyptian blue, white and lead red-that were skillfully proportioned to create the desired palette.”

“This is also an essential study for the purposes of restoring Pompeii’s frescoes, which are very fragile and require in-depth knowledge for proper conservation,” added Pompeii Archaeological Park Director Gabriel Zuchtriegel. “Similar analyses are already underway for the recently discovered Dionysian megalography. Exemplary synergy between research and protection that expresses Italian excellence in this field.”

What pigments were used in the frescoes of Pompeii? Study published on the subject

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