Photogrammetry for the analysis of plaster technology and ancient painting techniques: A case study on painted plasters from Amarna, Egypt

Abstract

This paper explores the potential of photogrammetry for the analysis of painted plaster from Amarna, Egypt. The proposed method is applied to two different forms of painted plaster – gypsum floor plaster, and gypsum and mud wall plaster from Amarna in Egypt. The method proposes that the 3D documentation of painted plasters can be used as a non-invasive analytical tool, specifically for studying the stratigraphic structure of plaster layers. Furthermore, the presence of al secco painting techniques is clearly identified, suggesting this method can be implemented for non-destructive analyses and identification of al secco and al fresco painting techniques on plaster, prior to further, more invasive analyses.