Polished Decorative Fields in Thracian Fresco Tombs from the Hellenistic period - Archaeometrical Research

Abstract

In order to gather information on the technological characteristics of the monochrome decorative wall plasters in some Thracian fresco tombs (4 th -3 rd centuries BC) found in South Bulgaria, several types of analyses have been carried out.Samples of red, yellow and white large wall-painted fields in different monuments, have been investigated using a combination of Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) to identify the organic components of the paint layer. The nature of the pigments has been determined both by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ATR-FTIR.The obtained results point towards the recognition of final polishing processes performed on still wet plaster. This technique of creating polished wall painted surfaces in combination with organic coatings (known as stucco lustro) is traditionally associated with the Pompean frescoes and the work of roman painters. Based on the technical examination, it can be assumed that in pre-roman time, the Hellenistic paint-craftsmen in Thrace inland were also familiar to this technique.

Multi-Analytical Analysis of Decorative Color Plasters from the Thracian Tomb near Alexandrovo, Bulgaria

“…Although destructive in general, the thermal analysis requires only a few milligrams of sample and offers great sensitivity in terms of temperature and weight changes. Recently, it was successfully applied for the identification of organic additives in the mural decoration of Thracian monuments [17,18]. Because of the possibility of the method, in the current study, we have used the technique for the characterization of the thermal properties of the studied plasters and to support the identification of the pigments and the possible presence of an organic binder.…”

“…While the tomb at the village of Alexandrovo is well studied from the historical and artistic point of view [5,[9][10][11][12][13][14][15], analytical research on the painting materials that were used is limited to date. Some reports concerning the technological characteristics of monochrome decorative wall plasters are available in the literature [16][17][18]. Detailed knowledge of material composition is essential for art historical or archaeological research and for determining proper conservation and restoration procedures.…”