Evolved Gas Analysis‐Mass Spectrometry to Identify the Earliest Organic Binder in Aegean Style Wall Paintings. Issue 40 (3rd September 2018) - Linn, Ravit
Abstract: An organic binder was identified in the painted fragments from the Canaanite palace of Tel Kabri, Israel. Recently dated to the late 18th century B.C.E. by 14 C, Tel Kabri is the most ancient of the Eastern Mediterranean sites in which Aegean style paintings have been found. The application of pigments was suspected to be using an organic binding medium, particularly for the Egyptian Blue pigment. Samples of blue paint were examined using evolved gas analysis‐mass spectrometry (EGA‐MS) in order to overcome the analytical challenges imposed by highly degraded aged proteinaceous materials. Egg was identified as the binder based on the presence of hexadecanonitrile and octadecanonitrile, confirming the use of a secco painting technique. Lysozyme C from Gallus gallus was detected by proteomics analysis, confirming the presence of egg. To our knowledge, this is the earliest use of egg as a binder in Aegean style wall paintings. Abstract : Analytical pyrolysis (EGA‐MS) was applied for the first time to identify the organic binder used in the oldest Bronze Age Aegean style paintings (late 18th century B.C.E.) from the palace of Tel Kabri. MS‐based proteomics confirmed the use of egg as the binder of the blue paint, strengthening the current hypothesis that a secco painting technique was used more extensively than was thought before.