A Multi‐Analytical Approach to the Study of the Mural Paintings in the Presbytery of Santa Maria Antiqua Al Foro Romano in Rome. (28th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Amato, S. R.; Bersani, D.; Lottici, P. P.; Pogliani, P.; Pelosi, C.
• Is Part Of: Archaeometry. Volume 59:Number 6(2017)
• Page Start: 1050
• Page End: 1064
• Publication Date: 2017-03-28
• Subjects: Roman Forum -- Middle Ages -- wall paintings -- in situ investigation -- μ‐Raman spectroscopy -- fourier transform infrared spectroscopy; Archaeometry -- Periodicals; Archaeology -- Expertising -- Periodicals; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1111/arcm.12296
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-813X

Abstract

Abstract : This paper presents the results of analyses carried out on three decorative phases of the presbytery of the church of Santa Maria Antiqua al Foro Romano in Rome: the fourth‐centuryad mosaics setting bed; the Adoration of the Cross, dated to the papacy of John VII (ad 705–7); and the paintings in the apse of the Pope Paul I (ad 757–68) phase. The research allowed the characterization of the painting techniques, pigments, organic compounds and degradation products by means of a video microscope, optical microscopy, and μ‐Raman and FT–IR spectroscopy, contributing to a better understanding of the changes in the techniques and materials used throughout the centuries in one of the most relevant medieval Christian monuments in Western Europe.