Decorating the Distance Stones: pXRF and Portable Raman Spectroscopic Analysis of Pigments on the Antonine Wall Distance Stones

Campbell, L. (2018) Decorating the Distance Stones: pXRF and Portable Raman Spectroscopic Analysis of Pigments on the Antonine Wall Distance Stones. Project Report. University of Glasgow, Glasgow. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Roman relief-sculpted stones in Scottish and northern English museums have been analysed non-destructively by portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) and Raman Spectrometry to test the hypothesis that they had originally been adorned with pigments in vibrant polychrome and to identify the colours used. The stones investigated comprised distance stones and other sculptured stones from the Antonine Wall currently on display in the Hunterian Museum and National Museum of Scotland (NMS). The elemental compositions determined by pXRF identified some evidence for pigments applied to the sculptures. Some spots with respectively high iron, lead, mercury and copper were detected in association with a gesso (calcium sulphate) layer onto which the pigments were applied and it has been possible to develop a palette of the colours that would have originally brought these stone monuments to life.

Item Type:Research Reports or Papers (Project Report)
Status:Unpublished
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Campbell, Dr Louisa
Authors: Campbell, L.
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Archaeology
College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Publisher:University of Glasgow

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
3010110Antonine Wall Distance SlabsProject Number: 99637 - PO: 1-000020221Louisa CampbellHistoric Environment Scotland (HISTSCOT)AMK/463Arts - Archaeology