Colorimetric and spectral reflectance access to some ancient Egyptian pigments

Abstract

In ancient Egypt, colour expressed both symbolic and aesthetic value. In the present study, a colorimetric spectral reflectance analysis of some ancient pigments from the mortuary temple of Medinet Habu, Luxor, Egypt (1184-1153 BC) is reported. Six groups of pigments were selected for analysis as follows: blue, green, yellow, red, brown and black. The chromatic coordinates and the reflectance spectra were recorded in the visible light range (400-700 nm) via a portable reflectance spectrophotometer. Additionally, microscopic observations on the samples and morphologicalmicroanalysis were performed. The analyses conducted on the studied pigments have provided significant information on their composition and hues. The results emphasized the value of the spectral reflectance analysis as a helpful tool to study pigments in polychromatic surfaces.