Pigments of the Campania region (Italy): a first overview for ancient wall paintings

Abstract

A first overview on the ancient pigments used in Campania region was carried out from some study on ancient wall paintings located both in residential and funerary contexts. The technological skills in the individual use or mixing of pigments from the ancient painters is related to four archaeological contexts of Campania region, dated back from the 6th century BCE to the 1st century CE. The pigments were analysed by means of in–situ spectroscopic techniques and micro–destructive laboratory analyses. The multi–analytical approach revealed the use of pure (natural and synthetic) pigments and some admixtures, created by the ancient painters to obtain assorted colour shades. The same mixtures were found in different chronological contexts and made by a different manufacturer, suggesting an evident transmission of technological knowledge over time.