What were the colors of the Parthenon? Investigation of the entablature's cornice blocks. (April 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Aggelakopoulou, Eleni; Bakolas, Asterios
• Is Part Of: Journal of archaeological science. Volume 140(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-04
• Subjects: Parthenon -- Polychromy -- Encaustic -- Beeswax -- Pigments -- Imaging techniques -- Laboratory techniques; Archaeology -- Periodicals; Archéologie -- Périodiques; 930.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jas.2022.105553
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0305-4403

Abstract

Abstract: The present study is focused on the investigation of the remaining ancient paint layers of the Parthenon's west cornice blocks. Most ornamental features that referred in the 19th century literature as the cornice blocks' decoration, still survive on the Parthenon. Τhe paint layers were studied by using imaging techniques (Visible induced luminescence and portable digital microscope) in situ along with various techniques in lab (Stereomicroscope, μ-Raman spectroscopy, ATR-FITR spectroscopy and SEM/EDX). The obtained results revealed that the taenia, which is placed at the bottom of the cornices' facade, was depicted with the mineral conichalcite, providing a vivid green color. Red ochre and egyptian blue were used for the viae and the mutules depiction. The bottom side of the guttae, was also painted with red ochre. Regarding the taenia, placed at the base of the cornice blocks, two blue pigments, azurite and Egyptian blue were used for the meander and chess pattern depiction, respectively. The pattern of meander/chess pattern was placed on a red background (red ochre). Red lead was used for the depiction of the brown-red line borders in the corner ceiling of the NW cornice block and most probably for the depiction of the corner ceiling's background. In microsamples deriving from well preserved areas, beeswax was identified mixed with pigments, serving as the binder of the paint layers (encaustic technique). It is the first time that the presence of beeswax is proven in paint layers of an ancient monument, exposed in an open-air environment. The presence of beeswax is in line with ancient inscriptions, which referred to the encaustic technique for the decoration of ancient monuments. This is the first systematic investigation of the Parthenon's ancient polychromy and the obtained data are compared with the 19th century sources' information. The scientific investigation not only confirms or invalidates these data, but also presents new findings. Highlights: Egyptian blue, azurite, conichalcite, red ochre and red lead were used as pigments. Two blue pigments (azurite and Egyptian blue) were applied for the meander's depiction. Beeswax is identified, associated with the binder of the ancient encaustic technique. The scientific investigation confirms part of the literature data of the 19th and 20th century. Scientific data develop a new perspective on the Acropolis monuments' ancient polychromy.