21984
Accession Number
14990
Author
Caley, Earle R.
Title Of Article Chaper
Ancient Greek Pigments from the Agora
Title Of Journal Book
Hesperia: Journal of the American School of Classical Studies at Athens
Volume
14
Issue
2
Pages
152-156
Collation
5 p. : ills., 3 tables
Reference Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references
Report Number
26
Publisher
American School of Classical Studies at Athens
Language Of Text
English
Literature Type
Serial
Literature Level
Analytic
Abstract
In 1937 the author of this paper examined and identified a number of specimens of pigments from the Agora while serving as a chemist of the excavation staff. These were substantial specimens or small remains of bulk pigments found in the vessels, or the remains of the vessels, in which these pigments had been stored or in which they had been mixed for application. This paper is a summary of the most interesting and significant results of analysis. The following pigments were analyzed: Blue frit, artificial calcium copper silicate; several forms of red ocher; cinnabar, natural mercuric sulfide; white lead, artificial basic lead carbonate; chalk, impure calcium carbonate; and, yellow ocher diluted with chalk. Few pigments were in use, and of these only a small proportion were prepared by any chemical process. This indicates the primitive state of chemical technology in ancient Greece. Certain of the pigments used there in ancient times are still among the most widely used and valued of all pigments, notably white lead and the iron ochers.
Keywords
ancient;greek;pigments;identification
pub_id
21984
Issue Date
19450000