Analysis of Pigments and Binding Media and Studies on the Painting Technique of the Terracotta Figures

In the beginning of the research projects investigations and analyses on painting materials were carried out next to the conservation test, the main focus of the co-operation. In 2003, more extensive studies were started to understand the painting technique.

The Central Laboratory at the Bavarian State Department for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (inorganic materials: SEM, XRF, XRD) and the Università di Pisa, Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale (organic materials: GC-MS) participated in the analyses. Lead white, bone white, kaolin, quartz-rich white earth, yellow and red ochre, red lead, cinnabar, Han Purple, azurite, malachite and bone black were identified as pigments. Egg and polysaccharides were used as binding media. The dark brown ground layer was identified as qi lacquer (East Asian lacquer, urushi). The use of a vanadium-containing yellow lead pigment was proofed for the first time. The identification of Han Purple in 1993 was the first evidence of the use of the pigment before the Han Dynasty.

Mixtures of pigments and the stratigraphy of the polychromy were studied in detail. Investigations on selected figures and numerous fragments, including partially preserved decorations with ornaments, were the base for reconstruction drawings of polychrome figures. The polychromy of two figures was reconstructed on two gypsum casts which are on display since 2008 in the Museum of Casts of Classical Sculptures Munich. Since 2006 they have been presented in several international art exhibitions.

 

Prof. Dr. Christoph Herm (1993-1996)

Dr. Cristina Thieme (1991-1996)

Dr. Catharina Blänsdorf, Graduate Restorer (2003-2013)