Raman analysis of pigments from the Egyptian Old Kingdom

Abstract

Raman spectrometry, with its small sample size requirements and high spatial resolution, has proved an invaluable means of identifying the pigments used in ancient Egyptian art. This paper describes the use of the technique to investigate the pigments on a group of objects and paintings from the Old Kingdom period held within the British Museum collections. A wide range of typical ancient Egyptian pigments, including haematite, goethite, carbon, Egyptian Blue, gypsum and anhydrite, have been found, together with others previously thought of as 'rare' in this context, such as huntite and jarosite. The jarosite occurs in a context which makes it extremely unlikely to be an alteration product, as had been suggested previously. There is also evidence of sophisticated mixing of a range of raw materials to produce desired colours. Additionally, huntite appears to have been used as a ground under some of the less opaque pigments to produce a stronger hue.

On the stability of mediaeval inorganic pigments: a literature review of the effect of climate, material selection, biological activity, analysis and conservation treatments

“…A variety of Ca, CaMg carbonates, and sulphates was used as white pigment (chalk, bianco di San Giovanni: CaCO 3 ; huntite: CaMg 3 (CO 3 ) 4 and dolomite: CaMg(CO 3 ) 2 ; gypsum: CaSO 4 · 2 H 2 O), as well as mixed with glue to prepare ground layers in northern and southern Europe, respectively [1,20,[43][44][45] and to prepare parchment for manuscripts [46]. The calcination of bones gives a white pigment mainly containing apatite Ca 3 (PO 4 ) 2 [1].…”

Vibrational spectroscopy for the study of Chilean cultural heritage

“…Sources of pigments such as arsenic sulfides could be interesting to trace and identify their hidden dangers in ancient populations, Formative Period, of northern Chile [78]. Colorful pigments (manganese, iron) and funerary behavior have been reported for the Chinchorro Culture and for rock art in northern Chile [79].…”

Investigations by Raman microscopy, ESEM and FTIR-ATR of wall paintings from Qasr el-Ghuieta temple, Kharga Oasis, Egypt

“…Raman spectroscopy is a micro-analytical technique achieved several advantages in analysis of ancient painting materials. It has been successfully applied to study ancient Egyptian pigments and wall paintings [8][9][10][11][12]. This technique is nondestructive because little sample preparation is required or no sampling in case of micro-Raman [13].…”

“…In the north wall, scenes of Ptolemy X Soter II making offerings to the Theban triad of Amun-Re, Mut and Khonsu; (7). On the outside edge of the door to the lobby, Ptolemy III and Berenice before the Theban triad of Amun-Re; (8). At the entrance of the shrine, scenes of Ptolemy III, Berenice II immediately before the Theban triad; (9).…”