Multi-analytical non-destructive investigation of pictorial apparatuses of “Villa della Piscina” in Rome

Abstract

Here we present a multi-analytical approach, that makes use of spectroscopic and imaging techniques, aiming at characterising the wall paintings of the “Villa della Piscina”, a Roman archaeological site in Rome. More specifically, we focus the attention on plaster fragments dated in the narrow temporal window bounded between the second half of I century and the first half of II century A.D., according to stylistic and archaeological standpoint. This investigation aims at supporting archaeologists in the reconstruction of the decorative motif of the Roman Villa, by studying the composition, the provenance and the style of the decorative phases of the analysed fragments. The presence of conservation and restoration treatments, as protective materials, is also investigated. Our study evidences a rich color palette and a refined use of mixtures of minerals and pigments.