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A Multi-instrument Investigation of Pigments, Binders and Varnishes from Egyptian Paintings (AD 1300-1900): Molecular and Elemental Analysis Using Raman, GC-MS and SEM-EDX Techniques
Abdel-Ghani, Mona H.
Abdel-Ghani, Mona H.
Publication Date
2010-05-26T14:38:07Z
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The University of Bradford theses are licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.
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Accepted for publication
Institution
University of Bradford
Department
Department of Archaeological Sciences
Awarded
2009
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Abstract
The focus of this study was analytical investigations of Egyptian paintings, mainly
Coptic icons and Islamic wooden ceilings, dating from 1300-1900 using multiinstrumental
techniques. Twenty three Coptic icons and three wooden ceilings dated
from different periods and painted by different painters in case of icons were examined.
The materials used including pigments, media, varnishes, ground layers and gold layers.
The surface stratigraphy of paint samples, their layered structured and the composition
of materials used in each layer were analysed. Variations in painting techniques,
pigments palettes, paint media and varnishes applied in Egyptian paintings according to
painters, time and type of paintings were revealed.
A total of twenty-eight organic and inorganic pigments were identified in this study, of
which nine have never been previously included as a part of the Egyptian pigment
palettes, namely; smalt, lapis lazuli, indigo, pararealgar, Prussian blue, chrome yellow,
barium yellow, barium white and hydromagnesite. The identification of
hydromagnesite, which has never been to date considered as a pigment either in Egypt
or elsewhere and the identification of smalt from the mid-14th century, whose reported
earliest large scale use was in the 16th century. Two types of resins were identified as a
constituent of the oil/resin varnish applied on Coptic icons of which Venice turpentine
has been identified for the first time as an ingredient of Egyptian varnishes. The
identification of mosaic gold in an 18th C. icon, a novel usage of dammar resin and the
multilayered structure of the white ground layers were revealed.
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Thesis
Qualification name
PhD