Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026

Applying Hyperspectral Reflectance Imaging to Investigate the Palettes and the Techniques of Painters
Published on: June 18, 2021
Organic materials in the wall paintings in Pompei: a case study of Insula del Centenario
Antonella Casoli1, Sara Santoro
1Dipartimento di Chimica, Università degli Studi di Parma, V,le G, P, Usberti 17/A, 43121, Parma, Italy. antonella.casoli@unipr.it.
Background:
The present research concerns the Roman wall paintings preserved at Insula del Centenario (IX, 8), the important Pompeian block situated in the Regio IX, along Via di Nola.
Results:
The aims of this research are two: to verify the presence of lipidic and proteinaceous material to spread the pigments, and to identify organic matter in painting materials owing to previous restoration works. The samples collected from the wall paintings of different rooms have been investigated by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), and Gas Chromatography/ Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS).
Conclusions:
The analytical results show that these Roman wall paintings were realized without the use of lipidic and proteinaceous materials, supposedly in fresco technique. Moreover, it was detected that wax, egg, and animal glue were used in previous restoration works for protective purpose and to restore the wall paintings to their original brilliant colours.
Related Concept Videos
Composite Masonry Walls
Masonry Cavity Walls
Maintaining a clean cavity during construction is...
Thermal Insulation in Masonry Walls
External insulation can be applied using an Exterior Insulation and Finish System (EIFS), which involves affixing panels of plastic foam to the wall and covering them with a polymeric stucco reinforced with glass fiber mesh.
Masonry Curtain Walls
Spanning Openings in Brick Walls
Lintels are primary supports used to span openings and can be crafted from materials such as reinforced concrete, steel-reinforced brick masonry, or simple steel angles. These are straightforward to install and are typically concealed...
Masonry Loadbearing Walls

