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The Diversity of Newly Discovered Deterioration Patterns in Ancient Egyptian Pigments: Consequences to Entirely New Restoration Strategies and to the Egyptological Colour Symbolism

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2011

Solveig Schiegl ,
Karl L. Weiner  and
Ahmed El Goresy
Solveig Schiegl
Affiliation:
Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik, P.O. 103980, 6900 Heidelberg 1, Germany
Karl L. Weiner
Affiliation:
Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Theresienstr. 41, 8000 München 2, Germany
Ahmed El Goresy
Affiliation:
Max-Planck-Institut für Kernphysik, P.O. 103980, 6900 Heidelberg 1, Germany
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Abstract

Polished cross sections through more than 1000 pigment samples from ancient Egyptian monuments (5th Dynasty to Roman Times) were investigated in reflected light, with SEM, and with electron microprobe techniques (EMPA). These combined analytical techniques allow many insights into the painting layers and down to the substrate. Textural relations of both the primary paintings and of the deterioration products can then be delineated. They also discern the stages of the various deterioration processes and the degree of damage of the painting layers.

The textural patterns of six deterioration processes not known before are discussed in detail and are documented in BSE-micrographs. Five of these processes commence in synthetic Cu-pigments (Egyptian Blue, glass pigment, and Green Frit) and Fe-bearing glass pigments. The 6th process leads to the formation of complex phosphates and is mainly exogenous. It causes severe damage to natural and synthetic pigment layers. These processes result in destruction of the primary pigments and coloured decorations.

Consequences as to the colour symbolism and future treatment of befallen paintings are discussed.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 267: Symposium J – Materials Issues in Art and Archaeology III , 1992 , 831
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1992

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