Spectroscopic analysis of wall paintings from Rocca Manerba

Abstract

In this paper the characterization of pigments and materials from wall fragments found at Rocca Manerba (on the Garda lakeshore, Italy) is presented in order to contribute to setting this archaeological site within a historical context. Although a stylistic analysis of the paintings was almost impossible owing to the high fragmentation of the samples, analytical techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIRS), Raman, Scan- ning Electron Microscopy-Energy Dispersion (SEM-EDS) Spectroscopy, and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) showed the presence of common pigments (yellow and red ochres, green earths, calcite white, and carbon black) as well as of the precious cinnabar, mixed with hematite. Blue pigments were not found, whereas a yellow-green one containing lead and tin used since the XV th Century was found in some over-paintings.