The Use of Colour on Roman Marble Sarcophagi

The objective of this study is to improve the knowledge of polychrome Roman sarcophagi by showing the first observations on the subject achieved by a combination of archaeological research and scientific results. The colour palette and the painting techniques used are demonstrated: how the extant colours were often obtained from a careful mixture of pigments or overlapping colours, either directly applied to the marble surface or, less frequently, over a whitish ground layer. The Roman painters paid attention to such pictorial effects as the lighting and rendering of minimal details, to achieve a realistic effect. The paper also illuminates some recurring technical and stylistic elements, regardless of the iconographic themes and the historical period. Therefore, the ancient polychromy of Roman marble sarcophagi, where it is still well preserved, appears to be an art of great refinement and technical sophistication, at the same level as the marble carving

Nuove tecnologie per lo studio della policromia sui sarcofagi romani: proposte per una standardizzazione metodologica

L’obiettivo principale di questa ricerca consiste nella definizione di un metodo analitico per arrivare a conoscere i pigmenti, le tecniche di stesura e di applicazione del colore e della doratura sui sarcofagi romani di produzione urbana mediante l’impiego di tecnologie digitali. In particolare questo studio, oltre a un lavoro di analisi puntuale e di catalogazione secondo norme standardizzate dei sarcofagi policromi conservati presso i Musei Vaticani, il Museo Nazionale Romano e i Musei Capitolini, si propone di sperimentare alcuni software open source e di suggerire le modifiche da apportare al fine di renderli un efficace ausilio per lo studio della policromia antica. Infatti, come le architetture e le sculture greche e romane, anche i sarcofagi erano stati pensati e realizzati tenendo in considerazione l’aspetto cromatico: un’unione di tinte differenti donava presumibilmente gradazione ai fondi e restituiva ai rilievi una maggiore plasticità, naturalezza e armonia compositiva

“Ecce Homo” by Antonello da Messina, from non-invasive investigations to data fusion and dissemination

none16noScientifc investigations of artworks are crucial in terms of preservation since they provide a measurable evaluation of the materials and the state of conservation. This is the case of Antonello da Messina’s painting “Ecce Homo”: its delicate state of conservation, with the need for constant monitoring, required a broad and in-depth diagnostic campaign to support the restorers. The project was carried out entirely in situ using non-invasive cutting-edge techniques and proposes a multimodal and data-centric approach, integrating 3D and 2D methodologies. The surface irregularities and the support were analysed with a structured-light 3D scanner and X-ray tomography. The painting materials were investigated with X-ray fuorescence scanning (MA-XRF) and refectance hyperspectral imaging (HSI). Primarily, the data were jointly used for a scientifc scope and provided new knowledge of the painting in terms of materials and painting techniques. In addition, two web-based interactive platforms were developed: one to provide restorers and experts with a new perspective of the hidden geometries of the painting, and the other targeted at the general public for dissemination purposes. The results of the Ecce Homo scientifc analysis were exhibited, using a touch-screen interface, and developed for diferent user levels, from adults to kids.openAlbertin, Fauzia; Ruberto, Chiara; Cucci, Costanza; Callieri, Marco; Potenziani, Marco; Siotto, Eliana; Pingi, Paolo; Scopigno, Roberto; Bettuzzi, Matteo; Brancaccio, Rosa; Morigi, Maria Pia; Castelli, Lisa; Taccetti, Francesco; Picollo, Marcello; Stefani, Lorenzo; de Vita, FrancescaAlbertin, Fauzia; Ruberto, Chiara; Cucci, Costanza; Callieri, Marco; Potenziani, Marco; Siotto, Eliana; Pingi, Paolo; Scopigno, Roberto; Bettuzzi, Matteo; Brancaccio, Rosa; Morigi, Maria Pia; Castelli, Lisa; Taccetti, Francesco; Picollo, Marcello; Stefani, Lorenzo; de Vita, Francesc