Fragment of a draped female statue (inv. no. 010326 386)

Description: Three recollected fragments allow you to restore the lower part of the female statue placed on a plinth.

Analytical methods: VIS; VIL; UV; MO VIS; MO UV; MAXRF
Autoptic examination: In the lower part of the drapery extensive traces of red paint are preserved for a maximum height of 13 cm.
Imaging: Video microscopy examination reveals yellow paint applied directly to the marble base. This coloring contrasts with, yet harmonizes with, the warmer, darker shades of red and orange in the drapery. In particular, the crests of the folds are colored a deep violet-red, while their hollows are rendered with a red-orange paint.
Chemical analysis: MA-XRF analysis of the base has documented the presence of iron, lead, arsenic, and zinc (Fe, Pb, As, Zn).

Under painting traces: no
Pigments: Red (ochres), orange, yellow (mimetite, vanatidinite)
Binder: n.d.
Stratigraphy: Directly applied on the marble.
Shading: Gradient of shades on the drapery.
Metallic traces: no
Tools marks: no
Background colour: no
Apparent marble parts: no
Restorations: no
Polychromy technique: Analysis results suggest the use of a mixture of goethite and mimetite or massicot and litharge. This mixture of pigments and earths has also been observed on the headless female bust from the summer baths of Bulla Regia (010326 13).

Imitation of other supports: metal
Polychromy type: The use of multiple shades and the creation of a gradient is likely a deliberate effect intended to convey the volume, depth, and movement of the folds.