Organic materials in the wall paintings in Pompei: a case study of Insuladel Centenario

Roman wall paintings at Pompeii's Insula del Centenario, preserved using the fresco technique, were found to lack lipidic and proteinaceous materials. This discovery challenges conventional assumptions about Roman painting practices. The study employed Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) to analyze samples from different rooms, revealing that previous restoration works involved the use of wax, egg, and animal glue for protective purposes and color restoration. These findings provide new insights into both ancient Roman techniques and the impact of conservation efforts on historical artifacts.

Casoli, A., & Santoro, S. (2012). Organic materials in the wall paintings in Pompei: a case study of Insuladel Centenario. Chemistry Central Journal, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-153x-6-107