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FT-Raman spectroscopic analysis of pigments from an Augustinian friary

Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry volume 397, pages 2685–2691 (2010)Cite this article

Abstract

The Raman spectroscopic analysis of several stone samples with applied red pigments obtained from an archaeological excavation of an Augustinian friary discovered during the construction of an extension to Hull Magistrates Court in 1994 has revealed a surprising diversity of composition. Cinnabar, red lead and haematite have all been identified alone or in admixture; the cinnabar is exceptional in that it has only been found heavily adulterated with red ochre and red lead, as the other two pigments are found alone. There are signatures of limewash putty, which has been applied to the stone substrate prior to the painting, which is characteristic of the Roman method of wall painting, and there are no traces of gypsum found in the specimens studied. This evidence indicates an early mediaeval method of stone decoration.

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Affiliations

  1. Division of Chemical & Forensic Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK

    Howell G. M. Edwards & Emma M. Newton

  2. Division of Archaeological, Geography and Environmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK

    Sonia O’Connor

  3. Humber Archaeological Partnership, The Old School, Northumberland Avenue, Hull, HU2 0LN, UK

    D. Evans

Authors
  1. Howell G. M. Edwards
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  2. Emma M. Newton
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  3. Sonia O’Connor
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  4. D. Evans
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Correspondence to Howell G. M. Edwards.

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Edwards, H.G.M., Newton, E.M., O’Connor, S. et al. FT-Raman spectroscopic analysis of pigments from an Augustinian friary. Anal Bioanal Chem 397, 2685–2691 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-010-3568-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00216-010-3568-0

Keywords

  • Red pigments
  • Stone substrate
  • Raman spectroscopy
  • Archaeological excavation
  • Limewash putty