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Article ID: CBB468963823

«From the face and the expression of the eyes»: Multidisciplinary studies of pigments in ancient Greek and Roman painted surfaces (2023)

Giovanni Verri (Author)
Hariclia Brecoulaki (Author)

Technai, An International Journal for Ancient Science and Technology
Volume: 14
Pages: 51-69
Publication date: 2023
Language: English

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Studies of the materiality of ancient works of art can provide valuable insights into their broader meaning, or significance. Scientific investigations on materials used, as well as their application technique, reveal a high level of complexity in the making of ancient painted surfaces. This paper discusses two aspects of ancient painting techniques: the whites of the eyes and the skin tones, whose mode of representation could be traced to Pharaonic Egypt. Through examples, it is argued that painting techniques are both part of an artistic continuum, in which traditions are followed, as well as transformed, taking new meanings in the cultural contexts in which they evolve. Greek and Roman artists likely adapted existing techniques to their own needs and artistic expressions to communicate new meanings.

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