Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

The ancient use of colouring on the marble statues of Hierapolis of Phrygia (Turkey): an integrated multi-analytical approach

  • Brief Report
  • Published:
Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The interest about the extent of the polychromy of ancient artefacts has increased in the last 10 years, increasing our knowledge on classical art, still often perceived as perfectly white. As a consequence, the development of methodologies allowing the detection and interpretation of the traces of colour remaining on the surfaces of archaeological artefacts has gained momentum. This paper presents the results of a multi-disciplinary research carried out about the painting materials used in producing selected marble statues excavated from the archaeological site of Hierapolis of Phrygia (Turkey), integrating the art-historical approach and the archaeometric data. The artefacts discussed in this paper were excavated in the archaeological site of Hierapolis in the course of several years by the Italian archaeological mission (MAIER). The objects include the reliefs and decorative statuary of the Severan Theatre and the statues excavated from the North Agora of the archaeological site, which are currently preserved in the museum of Hierapolis-Pamukkale. The analytical protocol, based on non-invasive imaging techniques (ultraviolet fluorescence images—UVf and visible induced luminescence—VIL), was performed directly outdoor, in the archaeological site. Few microsamples were selected, collected and subjected to laboratory analyses (XRD, FT-IR, SEM-EDS and HPLC-DAD). The integrated protocol allowed for the identification of the colouring materials used in producing the polychromies under study.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

References

  • Accorsi G, Verri G, Bolognesi M, Armaroli N, Clementi C, Miliani C, Romani A (2009) The exceptional near infrared luminescence properties of cuprorivaite (Egyptian blue). Chem Comm (23):3392–3394

  • Andreotti A, Colombini MP, Ribechini E, D’Alessio A, Frezzato F (2017) The characterisation of red-violet organic colours in ancient samples. In: Kirby J (ed) The diversity of dyes in history and archaeology. Archetype Publications, London, pp 97–106

    Google Scholar 

  • Avlonitou L (2016) Pigments and colours: an inside look at the painted decoration of the Macedonian funerary monuments. J Archaeol Sci Rep 7:668–678

    Google Scholar 

  • Bartolucci U, Colombini MP, Degano I (2007) Materiali organici dalle pellicole pittoriche di terrecotte architettoniche provenienti da Cuma. In: Gasparri C, Greco G (eds) Cuma. Indagini archeologiche e nuove scoperte. Naus Editoria, Pozzuoli, pp 125–130

    Google Scholar 

  • Baumann H (1982) Die griechische Pflanzenwelt in Mythos. Kunst und Literatur, München

    Google Scholar 

  • Bejor G (1991) Hierapolis. Scavi e Ricerche III. Le statue (Archaeologica 99), Roma

  • Brecoulaki H (2014) “Precious Colours” in ancient Greek polychromy and painting: material aspects and symbolic values. Revue Archeol 57(1):3–35

    Google Scholar 

  • Brinkmann V, Koch-Brinkmann U (2010) On the reconstruction of antique polychromy techniques. In: Brinkmann V, Primavesi O, Hollein M (eds) Circumlitio. The polychromy of antique and mediaeval sculpture. Hirmer Publishers, Frankfurt, pp 115–135

    Google Scholar 

  • Brinkmann V, Kellner S, Koch-Brinkmann U, Østergaard JS (2004) La colorazione del ritratto di Caligola. In: Liverani P (ed) I colori del bianco. Policromia nella scultura antica. De Luca Editori d’Arte, Roma, pp 263–268

    Google Scholar 

  • Cardon D (2007) A world of reds: rubiaceae plants rich in red anthraquinone dyes. In: Cardon D (ed) Natural dyes, sources, tradition, technology and science. Archetype Publication Ltd., London, pp 104–166

  • Colombini MP, Degano I, Ribechini E (2017) A multi analytical approach to determine madder lake in a funerary clay vessel found in a chamber tomb in Taranto. In: Kirby J (ed) The diversity of dyes in history and archaeology. Archetype Publication Ltd., London, pp 90–96

    Google Scholar 

  • D’Andria F, Ritti T (1985) Le sculture del Teatro. I rilievi con i cicli di Apollo e Artemide, Hierapolis. Scavi e ricerche II, Archeologica 54, Roma

  • Degano I, Ribechini E, Modugno F, Colombini MP (2009) Analytical methods for the characterisation of organic dyes in artworks and in historical textiles. Appl Spectrosc Rev 44:363–410

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Delamare F, Monasse B (2008) Computation of a visible light absorption spectrum, a semi-empirical quantum mechanical approach: application to the color determination of alizarine complex in solution or chemisorbed onto cellulose. Dyes Hystory Archaeol 21:214–223

    Google Scholar 

  • Dyer J, Verri G, Cupitt J (2013) Multispectral Imaging in Reflectance and Photo-induced Luminescence modes: a user manual. https://www.britishmuseum.org/pdf/charisma-multispectral-imaging-manual-2013.pdf. Accessed Aug 2018

  • Dyer J, Tamburini D, Sotiropoulou S (2018) The identification of lac as a pigment in ancient Greek polychromy–the case of a Hellenistic oinochoe from Canosa di Puglia. Dyes Pigments 149:122–132

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fostiridou A, Karapanagiotis I, Vivdenko S, Lampakis D, Mantzouris D, Achilara L, Manoudis P (2016) Identification of pigments in Hellenistic and Roman funeral figurines. Archaeometry 58(3):453–464

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Galli M (2016) Le statue di Demetra e Kore-Persephone nel Teatro di Hierapolis. Ist Mitt 66:161–224

    Google Scholar 

  • Gasanova S, Pagès-Camagna S, Andrioti S, Hermon S (2018) Non-destructive in situ analysis of polychromy on ancient Cypriot sculptures. Archaeol Anthropol Sci 10:83–95

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Giachi G, Pallecchi P, Colombini MP, Degano I, Bartolucci U, Modugno F (2009) I colori e la tecnica pittorica: risultati dell’indagine analitica. In: Bottini A, Setari E (eds) I marmi dipinti di Ascoli Satriano. Mondadori Electa, Milano, pp 74–77

    Google Scholar 

  • Hatton GD, Shortland AJ, Tite MS (2008) The production technology of Egyptian blue and green frits from second millennium BC Egypt and Mesopotamia. J Archaeol Sci 35:1591–1604

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Iannaccone R, Bracci S, Cantisani E, Mazzei B (2015) An integrated multi methodological approach for characterizing the materials and pigments on a sarcophagus in St. mark, Marcellian and Damasus catacombs. Appl Phys A Mater Sci Process 121:1235–1242

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ismaelli T, Scardozzi G (2016) Ancient quarries and building sites in Asia Minor. Research on Hierapolis in Phrygia and other cities in south-western Anatolia: archaeology, archaeometry, conservation, Edipuglia, Bari

  • Kakoulli I (2001) Scientific investigations of three Graeco-Roman painted stone slabs. In: Nécropolis 1, Études Alexandrines 5, Institute Français D’Archéologie Orientale, Cairo, pp 215–224

  • Kakoulli I, Radpour R, Lin Y, Svoboda M, Fischer C (2017) Application of forensic photography for the detection and mapping of Egyptian blue and madder lake in Hellenistic polychrome terracottas based on their photophysical properties. Dyes Pigments 136:104–115

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Karapanagiotis I, Chryssoulakis Y (2006) Investigation of red natural dyes used in historical objects by HPLC-DAD-MS. Ann Chim 96:75–78

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Levick B (2004) The Roman economy. Trade in Asia minor and the niche market. Greece Rome 51:180–198

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liverani P, Bracci S, Iannaccone R, Lenzi S, Magrini D, Mazzei B (2018) Colours in the dark: new researches into catacombs. In: Bracci S, Giachi G, Liverani P, Pallecchi P, Paolucci F (eds) Polychromy in ancient sculpture and architecture. Sillabe SrL, Livorno, pp 111–121

  • Liverani P, Santamaria U (2014) Diversamente bianco. La policromia della scultura romana. Edizioni Quasar, Roma

    Google Scholar 

  • Liverani P, Bracci S, Iannaccone R, Lenzi S (2013) Monochromes on marble from Herculaneum and Pompei: new researches. In: Østergaard JS (ed) Tracking colour. The polychromy of Greek and Roman Sculpture in the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. Preliminary Report 5 New Carlsberg Glyptoteck, pp 100–103

  • Lluveras-Tenorio A, Parlanti F, Degano I, Lorenzetti G, Demosthenous D, Colombini MP, Rasmussen KL (2017) Spectroscopic and mass spectrometric approach to define the Cyprus orthodox icon tradition. The first known occurrence of Indian lac in Greece/Europe. Microchem J 131:112–119

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MAIER, Missione Archeologica Italiana a Hierapolis, https://www.hierapolis.unisalento.it/15, last Access Jan 2019

  • Mantzouris D, Karapanagiotis I (2015) Armenian cochineal (Porphyrophora hamelii) and purpurin-rich madder in ancient polychromy. Colora Technol 131:370–373

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Nicola M, Aceto M, Gheroldi V, Gobetto R, Chiari G (2018) Egyptian blue in the Castelseprio mural painting cycle. Imaging and evidence of a non-traditional manufacture. J Archaeol Sci Rep 19:465–475

    Google Scholar 

  • Østergaard JS (2007) Caligula in the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen. Reconstructing the polychromy of a Roman portrait. In: Brinkmann V, Wünsche R (eds) Gods in color. Painted Sculpture of Classical Antiquity, München, pp 178–183

    Google Scholar 

  • Pellino G (2011) Una statua di provincia orientale dall’agora di Hierapolis di Phrygia. In: D’Andria F, Romeo I (eds) Roman sculpture in Asia Minor: proceedings of the international conference to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Italian excavations at Hierapolis in Phrygia. J. Roman Archaeol. 80: 251–268

  • Ritti T (1995) Associazione di mestiere a Hierapolis di Frigia. In: Giannattasio B (ed) Viaggi e commerci nell’antichità. Atti VII Giornata archeologica, Genova, pp 65–84

  • Ritti T (2017) Hierapolis di Frigia IX. Storia e istituzioni di Hierapolis. Ege Yayınları, Istanbul

    Google Scholar 

  • Sabatini F, Lluveras-Tenorio A, Degano I, Kuckova S, Krizova I, Colombini MP (2016) A matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry method for the identification of anthraquinones: the case of historical lakes. J Am Soc Mass Spectrom 27:1824–1834

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Salvant J, Williams J, Ganio M, Casadio F, Daher C, Sutherland K, Monico L, Vanmeert V, De Meyer S, Janssens K, Cartwright C, Walton M (2018) A roman egyptian painting workshop: technical investigation of the portraits from Tebtunis, Egypt. Archaeometry 60(4):815–833

  • Santamaria U, Morresi F (2004) Le indagini scientifiche per lo studio della cromia dell’Augusto di Prima Porta. In: Liverani P (ed) I colori del bianco. Policromia nella scultura antica, collana di studi e documentazione. Musei Vaticani De Luca Editori d’Arte, Roma, pp 243–248

    Google Scholar 

  • Sargent ML, Therkildsen RH (2010) The technical investigation of sculptural polychromy at the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek 2009–2010—An Outline. In: Østergaard JS (ed.) Tracking colour. The polychromy of Greek and Roman sculpture in the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek. Preliminary report 2, Copenhagen, http://www.glyptoteket.dk/tracking-colour2.pdf. Accessed Aug 2018

  • Sotiropoulou S, Sciutto G, Lluveras Tenorio A, Mazurek J, Bonaduce I, Prati S, Mazzeo R, Schilling M, Colombini MP (2018) Advanced analytical investigation on degradation markers in wall paintings. Microchem J 139:278–294

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Verri G (2009) The spatially resolved characterization of Egyptian blue, Han blue and Han purple by photo-induced luminescence digital imaging. Anal Bioanal Chem 394:1011–1021

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Verri G, Clementi C, Comelli D, Cather S, Pique F (2008) Post-capture data analyses as an aid to the interpretation of ultraviolet-induced fluorescence images. In: Stork DG, Coddington J (eds) Proceeding SPIE 6810, Computer Image Analyses In The Study Of Art, Bellingham, pp 2–12

  • Warda J, Frey F, Heller D, Kusheld D, Vitale T, Weaver G (2012) Ultraviolet photography. In: Warda J (ed) AIC guide to digital photography and conservation documentation, 2nd edn. American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works, Washington DC

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This research was cofounded by MIUR in the framework of the Italian FIRB 2012 Project “Marmora Phrygiae”. The authors would like to thank Dr. G. Scardozzi, Dr. T. Ismaelli (Institute for Archaeological and Monumental Heritage-IBAM-CNR) and Prof. F. D’Andria, director of the Italian Archaeological Mission in Hierapolis in 2013-2015 (MAIER, https://www.hierapolis.unisalento.it/15, last access-January 2019), for their support and suggestions.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. ICVBC-CNR Institute for Conservation and Valorization of Cultural Heritage, National Research Council, Via Madonna del Piano 10, Sesto Fiorentino, 50019, Florence, Italy

    Susanna Bracci & Emma Cantisani

  2. ICVBC-CNR Institute for Conservation and Valorization of Cultural Heritage, National Research Council, Via Cozzi 53, 20125, Milan, Italy

    Silvia Vettori

  3. Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, University of Pisa, Via Moruzzi 13, I-56126, Pisa, Italy

    Ilaria Degano

  4. Department of Classics, Sapienza University of Rome, Pl. A. Moro 5, 00185, Rome, Italy

    Marco Galli

Authors
  1. Susanna Bracci
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Silvia Vettori
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Emma Cantisani
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Ilaria Degano
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Marco Galli
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Silvia Vettori.

Additional information

Publisher’s note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Electronic supplementary material

ESM 1

(DOCX 5619 kb)

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Bracci, S., Vettori, S., Cantisani, E. et al. The ancient use of colouring on the marble statues of Hierapolis of Phrygia (Turkey): an integrated multi-analytical approach. Archaeol Anthropol Sci 11, 1611–1619 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-019-00803-w

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12520-019-00803-w

Keywords

Search

Navigation