The colours of Segesta. Searching for the traces of the lost pigments

Abstract

• Non invasive, multianalytical approach and in situ analysis for the investigation of traces of pigments. • Optical microscopy, UV-fluorescence, XRF and FORS spectroscopy for the analysis of traces of pigments. • Interchangeability of XRF and FORS for identification of general type of pigments polychromy of Greek temples. • Example of fruitful cooperation between chemists, archaeologists and the public institutions for the safeguarding of archaeological heritage. Many monuments and objects of the ancient civilizations were painted, but unfortunately the pigments are not still present and sometimes only small traces are evident. The analysis of the traces requires a multianalytical approach through the use of non-invasive techniques and only if necessary of a microsampling. Here, the study of the traces of colours found in some architectural elements and findings belonging to the Archeological Park of Segesta (Trapani, Italy) is reported. The traces are identified and characterised via several techniques such as Optical Microscopy, UV-Fluorescence Imaging, Fiber Optical Reflectance Spectroscopy (FORS), X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) and FT-IR Spectroscopy. Various pigments were identified, some of which are no longer clearly visible to the naked eye: hematite, umber, vegetable black and bone black. Despite the small amount of detectable pigment, the performed investigations allowed us to define part of the pictorial palette to imagine and relive the past in one place.