Pigment analysis

Pigment analysis, using Raman spectroscopy. The analysis was carried out at the Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University. The full report will be available on the website in May, 2025. The main author of the report is Dr. Lars Helldahl. A series of in-depth articles on the Raman results is underway and will soon be published in a scientific journal.

Click here for the Report

Click here for the Research Article

The painting being analyzed at the Ångström Laboratory.

Photomicrograph of the partially cleaned area H, located on Domitian’s muscle cuirass. The brownish colored varnish is still present on top of the light blue grey color. Pigments visible in the image are: Orange/yellow, blue, red, green and white. We have not been able to identify the blue and green pigments in this area.

Below, a selection of spectra.

Ultramarine (lapis lazuli)

Cinnaber

Cerussite (natural lead white)