Corinthian Capital (inv. no. FAN.1992.489)

Description: Corinthian capital in white marble from the theater of Arles. It features a kalathos of acanthus leaves and the abacus decorated with rosettes.

Analytical methods: VIS; MAXRF
Autoptic examination: Areas of color and scraping are clearly visible to the naked eye.
Imaging: FAN.1992.489_fig.1
Chemical analysis: The MA-XRF analysis confirms the presence of painted layers and reveals, in the sampled area, a preparation based on lead and zinc, and the use of ochres (Fe) for creating yellow and orange, and manganese black to darken the tone.

Under painting traces: no
Pigments: Sandyx (?); Ochre
Binder: n.d.
Stratigraphy: Preparatory layer of zinc and lead
Shading: no
Metallic traces: no
Tools marks: no
Background colour: Yellow
Apparent marble parts: no
Restorations: No
Polychromy technique: The tones are applied directly onto the marble. Lead and zinc ground; the scraping traces might indicate a previous phase that was removed. The chromatic choices, based on a warm color trichromy that contrasts with the black background, and the accentuation of the volute edges.
Immagini Tecnica Policromia: FAN.1992.489_fig.1

Anthropomorphic/realistic: Yes
Imitation of other supports: metallo
Polychromy type: The variation in shades results from the superimposition of transparent layers.The abacus and the rim of the calathos display orange areas, the central fleuron shows obvious scraping traces and a yellow layer, also visible in the two fleurons that decorate the background. The background itself is dark brown-black. The volute and helix stand out in orange, with brown preserved on the rim of the volute. These elements contrast with the brown calathos and black chalice. Bright orange and red tones bring life to the leaves of the two crowns—red for the lower crown and orange with yellow veins for the upper one.

Bibliography: E. Neri, N. de Larquier, D. Strivay, Colorer et entretenir la couleur : analyse du décor sculpté des autels du théâtre d’Arles, in E. Neri (ed.), Polychroma. The Meaning of Colours in Roman Sculptures, Silvana Editoriale, Cinisello B., 2024, pp. 226-239.