Organic materials in the wall paintings in Pompei: a case study of Insuladel Centenario

Antonella Casoli,Sara Santoro

doi:10.1186/1752-153x-6-107

Antonella Casoli, Sara Santoro

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-153x-6-107

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Abstract

BackgroundThe present research concerns the Roman wall paintings preserved at Insula del Centenario (IX, 8), the important Pompeian block situated in the Regio IX, along Via di Nola.ResultsThe aims of this research are two: to verify the presence of lipidic and proteinaceous material to spread the pigments, and to identify organic matter in painting materials owing to previous restoration works. The samples collected from the wall paintings of different rooms have been investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Gas Chromatography/ Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS).ConclusionsThe analytical results show that these Roman wall paintings were realized without the use of lipidic and proteinaceous materials, supposedly in fresco technique. Moreover, it was detected that wax, egg, and animal glue were used in previous restoration works for protective purpose and to restore the wall paintings to their original brilliant colours.

Highlights

The present research concerns the Roman wall paintings preserved at Insula del Centenario (IX, 8), the important Pompeian block situated in the Regio IX, along Via di Nola
The study was realised as part of the Pompei Project “Insula del Centenario”, and agreed upon during a convention that took place in 1999, held by the University of Bologna in conjunction with the Soprintendenza Archeologica di Pompei, and inserted into the larger archeometric project aimed at identifying building materials, mortar, plaster, pigments, and mosaic work of the Insula [1]
The present paper aims to know the painting techniques used in the wall paintings of Insula del Centenario in Pompei

Summary

Introduction

The present research concerns the Roman wall paintings preserved at Insula del Centenario (IX, 8), the important Pompeian block situated in the Regio IX, along Via di Nola. The area excavated is largely taken up by the Casa del Centenario, a building of great interest from an architectonic point of view because of its complexity (it has two entrance halls, one peristyle, one nymphaeum with mosaic fountain, a criptoportico, and one of the few, private thermal installations in Pompei), and from a decorative point of view because of its mosaics and, above all, for its wall paintings (style I, initial style III, style IV). Metres), of quality of decorations and variety of structures, Insula del Centenario is one of the most important Pompeian complexes. The study was realised as part of the Pompei Project “Insula del Centenario”, and agreed upon during a convention that took place in 1999, held by the University of Bologna in conjunction with the Soprintendenza Archeologica di Pompei, and inserted into the larger archeometric project aimed at identifying building materials, mortar, plaster, pigments, and mosaic work of the Insula [1]

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Conclusion