Execution technique and pigment characteristics of decorative wall from 17th CE Chatta Chowk, Red Fort Complex, New Delhi

A groundbreaking analysis of the 17th-century decorative wall paintings from Chatta Chowk, Red Fort Complex, New Delhi, reveals the sophisticated pigment mixture used by artisans. The study identified a unique blend of hematite (Fe2O3), cinnabar (HgS), and cadmium sulfide (CdS) in red paint layers, providing evidence of intentional admixture to achieve specific tones. Green paint layers were attributed to green earth (celadonite), distinct from glauconite, based on vibrational features. The research employed advanced techniques such as High-Resolution X-ray diffraction (HR-XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), portable Raman spectrometry, and gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to analyze pigment composition and binders. The findings highlight the use of fats, waxes, and drying oils as binders in the secco technique, offering new insights into 17th-century Indian decorative arts.

Sharma, A., & Singh, M. R. (2020). Execution technique and pigment characteristics of decorative wall from 17th CE Chatta Chowk, Red Fort Complex, New Delhi. Periodico Di Mineralogia, Vol. 90 No. 1 (2021). https://doi.org/10.13133/2239-1002/16761