Abstract
Roman wall paintings at Ostia Antica were studied for the first time in situ in an integrated approach using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) depth profiling, portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and visible induced luminescence (VIL) in order to explore the materials used in their construction and gain insight into the evolution of the Roman painting technique over time. NMR revealed the signatures of covered wall paintings through details of the structure of the top painted mortar layers, and the loss of this information that can be encountered when paintings are detached from the wall for preservation purposes. XRF provided information about the pigment composition of the paintings, and VIL was used to identify Egyptian Blue. Egyptian Blue was only found in the earlier wall paintings studied dating from 1st century B.C.E. to the 1st century C.E. The pigment palette seems to become limited to iron-based pigments in the later paintings, whereas the palette of the earlier paintings appears to be more varied including mercury, lead, and copper-based pigments.
Highlights
Ostia was the ancient harbor city of Rome during Antiquity
Silvano materials and techniques of the wall paintings at Antica that remain on site at their materials and techniques of the wall paintings at Antica that remain on site at Salcello del c
The present study is the first integrated in situ approach to the investigation of the materials and techniques of the wall paintings at Antica that remain on site at their materials and techniques of the wall paintings atsitu
Summary
Ostia was the ancient harbor city of Rome during Antiquity. Located at the mouth (Latin: Ostium) of the river Tiber, it was born as a military settlement to protect the nearby city of Rome, the capital of the Roman Empire, and control trade across the sea. The city has a history almost as long as Rome itself: Founded, according to the sources, by king. Large areas of the city have been brought to light, revealing a large number of public and private buildings. Many of these buildings still have their wall, floor, and (in some cases) ceiling decorations, offering a complete and accurate view of the taste and trends in Roman times
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