Ochre-Based Pigments in the Tablinum of the House of the Bicentenary (Herculaneum, Italy) between Decorative Technology and Natural Disasters

A multi-analytical approach revealed that the ochre-based pigments in the tablinum of Herculaneum's House of the Bicentenary underwent thermal alteration during Mount Vesuvius' eruption, transforming yellow ochres to red. This study successfully discriminated between original and converted pigments, providing insights into Roman decorative technologies. The research also highlighted the use of various ochre qualities and mixtures with other compounds, driven by aesthetic, functional, and economic considerations.

Secco, M., Rainer, L., Graves, K., Heginbotham, A., Artioli, G., Piqué, F., & Angelini, I. (2021). Ochre-Based Pigments in the Tablinum of the House of the Bicentenary (Herculaneum, Italy) between Decorative Technology and Natural Disasters. Minerals, 11(1), 67. https://doi.org/10.3390/min11010067