Using Raman to Analyze Ancient Murals in Pompeii
Scientists used spectroscopic techniques to learn more about paintings in the blue room of Ariadne’s house.
To understand the science behind the degradation of historical landmarks, a team led by Nagore Prieto-Taboada of the University of the Basque Country in Spain, studied paintings in an ancient home in Italy (1).
The home belonged to Ariadne, the Ancient Greek figure, and is in the Regio VII of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii. Exposure from natural elements including rainfall and pollution, caused the murals to degrade over time. For example, room 22, also known as the blue room, was once adorned in blue decorations is now different hues of grayish green.
Vesuvius and Pompeii | Image Credit: © dbvirago - stock.adobe.com
The team, whose work was published in the Journal of Raman Spectroscopy, used a variety of analysis techniques on the degraded sections of Room 22. By using a combination of in situ and laboratory spectroscopic analyses by means of non-destructive X-ray fluorescence, infrared and Raman spectroscopies, they identified the original pigments and materials used in the conservation works. They also used Raman spectroscopy to analyze the stratigraphic distribution of the original pigments in detail, revealing an inner layer of Egyptian blue mixed with celadonite was detected under a layer of pure Egyptian blue.
Celadonite is believed to have been an inexpensive pigment used to reduce painting costs. The presence of atmospheric gasses also likely contributed to the degradation of the paintings, according to Raman data.
Historical artifacts do wither with time and enough exposure to the environment. However, using spectroscopic techniques can help scientists better understand how ancient pieces got to their present condition and what they were like when first created.
Reference
(1) Prieto-Taboada, N.; de Vallejuelo, S. F-O.; Santos, A.; Veneranda, M.; Castro, K.; Maguregui, M.; Morillas, H.; Arana, G.; Martellone, a.; de Nigris, B.; Osanna, M.; Madariaga, J. M. Understanding the degradation of the blue colour in the wall paintings of Ariadne's house (Pompeii, Italy) by non-destructive techniques. J. Raman Spectrosc. 2020, 52 (1), 85–94. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/jrs.5941
New Fluorescent Raman Technique Enhances Detection of Microplastics in Seawater
November 19th 2024A novel method using fluorescence labeling and differential Raman spectroscopy claims to offer a more efficient, accurate approach to detect microplastics in seawater. Developed by researchers at the Ocean University of China, this method improves both the speed and precision of microplastic identification, addressing a key environmental issue affecting marine ecosystems.
Nanometer-Scale Studies Using Tip Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
February 8th 2013Volker Deckert, the winner of the 2013 Charles Mann Award, is advancing the use of tip enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) to push the lateral resolution of vibrational spectroscopy well below the Abbe limit, to achieve single-molecule sensitivity. Because the tip can be moved with sub-nanometer precision, structural information with unmatched spatial resolution can be achieved without the need of specific labels.
NIR, IR, UV-vis, and NMR Spectroscopy Drive New Insights in Olive Oil Quality and Fraud Prevention
November 11th 2024A new review highlights the promising role of non-destructive spectroscopy techniques in enhancing olive and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) quality assessments. By combining spectroscopy with imaging, researchers uncover innovative ways to determine product authenticity and improve quality control in olive oil production.
Best of the Week: Cancer Biomarkers and Screening, Raman for Hematology Diagnostics
November 8th 2024Top articles published this week include an interview with Landulfo Silveira Jr., an article about using Raman spectroscopy in hematology, and a recap of a recent study that used infrared (IR) spectroscopy to screen for cancer.
