1. Synchrotron Methods: Color in Paints and Minerals
- Author
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Ina Reiche, Emilie Chalmin, Laboratoire d'Archéologie Moléculaire et Structurale (LAMS), Université Pierre et Marie Curie - Paris 6 (UPMC)-Institut de Chimie du CNRS (INC)-Sorbonne Université (SU)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Environnements, Dynamiques et Territoires de Montagne (EDYTEM), Université Savoie Mont Blanc (USMB [Université de Savoie] [Université de Chambéry])-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Université Pierre et Marie Curie - Paris 6 (UPMC)-Institut de Chimie du CNRS (INC)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Environnements, Dynamiques et Territoires de la Montagne (EDYTEM), and Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS)-Université Savoie Mont Blanc (USMB [Université de Savoie] [Université de Chambéry])
- Subjects
Pigments ,Coloring processes ,Identification ,media_common.quotation_subject ,Archaeological samples ,02 engineering and technology ,01 natural sciences ,Fluorescence ,Absorption ,Visual arts ,Microbeam ,Sculptures ,media_common ,Minerals ,Paleolithic cave art ,X-Rays ,010401 analytical chemistry ,Art ,021001 nanoscience & nanotechnology ,Data science ,Roman period ,0104 chemical sciences ,Cultural heritage ,Trace (semiology) ,[SDE]Environmental Sciences ,Fabrication procedure ,Comparative historical research ,Paintings ,Identification (biology) ,Middle Ages ,Alteration ,Modern art ,0210 nano-technology ,Diffraction - Abstract
The colors of archaeomaterials provide important insights into ancient human activities, technologies, capabilities, symbols, and craftsmanship, making the study of color an important aspect of archaeological, art historical, and historical research. The color origins of archaeomaterials are usually related to major but also minor or trace elements, or minor components, in a particular chemical environment. However, the color can be changed over time due to alteration phenomena. Hence, the analysis of these archaeomaterials requires very sensitive and noninvasive methods. In addition to the direct measurement of color, other physicochemical methods, such as X-ray absorption spectroscopy, are well suited to study the colors in these archaeomaterials. Here, the authors present an overview of the methods most commonly used to study these materials. The pigments, paints, and minerals that are of particular importance in the study of cultural heritage are summarized and present a historical overview of the archaeometric study of such materials presented. In conclusion, several case studies are presented illustrating the potential of such studies to further inform our understanding of ancient human societies.
- Published
- 2014