Archeometric investigation on wall paintings from the most ancient Hellenistic hypogeum found in Sicily (C.da Apaforte-Licata (AG))

Abstract

In the present work, an analytical study of paintings from an ancient hypogeum, dated back to 4th–3rd cent B.C. and located in Licata (Sicily, Southern Italy) has been carried out. A selection of representative red, yellow and white wall colored plasters have been sampled and analyzed in non-destructive and micro-destructive way to identify the pigmenting agents, preparation layers and study the deterioration processes. In particular, the quantitative analysis of the chemical composition of the different layers (pigments, preparation layers, deteriorated parts) has been obtained through scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive spectrometry (SEM–EDS), while micro-Raman spectroscopy have been performed to investigate the molecular nature of the coloring agents used in the pigment layer. Finally, preliminary macroscopic and thin section analyses (OM) have been carried out with the aim to characterize plaster features and degradation processes. The obtained results, together with previous data on Hellenistic art in Sicily, may be helpful to create a database about the evolution of mural painting in Sicily as well as identify raw materials, pigment agents and painting techniques used in local plasters manufacture.