Fragment of a draped female statue (inv. no. 010326 245)

Description: The fragmentary statue is composed only by the right leg and the drapery down to the level of the feet.

Analytical methods: VIS; VIL; UV; MO VIS; MO UV; MAXRF
Autoptic examination: Numerous traces of yellow and red color in the drapery are visible to the naked eye.
Imaging: The red areas appear black under UV light. Closer examination reveals the presence of these pigments in the same location. The yellow color is sometimes apparent and sometimes appears as a preparatory layer.
Examination under a video microscope confirms that a yellowish-white primer is spread across the entire surface, covered by a red-orange and yellow paint to create a gradient and express the depth of the folds with subtle variations in tone.
Chemical analysis: MA_XRF analysis reveals the presence of lead corresponding to the yellow preparatory layer and iron and mercury in the red surface layer.

Under painting traces: no
Pigments: Red (ochres), orange, lead white.
Binder: n.d.
Stratigraphy: Preparatory layer of lead white.
Shading: Gradient of shades on the drapery.
Metallic traces: no
Tools marks: 0,5 mm brushstrokes on the drapery.
Background colour: no
Apparent marble parts: no
Restorations: no
Polychromy technique: Analysis results suggest the use of white lead in the primer and vermilion, mixed with goethite or earth pigments, for the surface coloring. The yellow paint is used both as a primer, mixed with white lead, and as a finishing layer.