Polished Decorative Fields in Thracian Fresco Tombs from the Hellenistic period - Archaeometrical Research

ABSTRACT In order to gather information on the technological characteristics of the monochrome decorative wall plasters in some Thracian fresco tombs (4th -3rd centuries BC) found in South Bulgaria, several types of analyses have been carried out. Samples of red, yellow and white large wall-painted fields in different monuments, have been investigated using a combination of Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) to identify the organic components of the paint layer. The nature of the pigments has been determined both by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and ATR-FTIR. The obtained results point towards the recognition of final polishing processes performed on still wet plaster. This technique of creating polished wall painted surfaces in combination with organic coatings (known as stucco lustro) is traditionally associated with the Pompean frescoes and the work of roman painters. Based on the technical examination, it can be assumed that in pre-roman time, the Hellenistic paint-craftsmen in Thrace inland were also familiar to this technique. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT