Eur. Phys. J. Plus (2018) 133: 539
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjp/i2018-12369-2

Regular Article

Tituli Picti in the archaeological site of Pompeii: diagnostic analysis and conservation strategies

¹ Department of Biology, Ecology and Earth Sciences, University of Calabria, via P. Bucci Cubo 12B, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy
² Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Physical Sciences and Earth Sciences (MIFT), University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166, Messina, Italy
³ General Director, Archaeological Park of Pompeii, via Plinio 4, 80045, Pompeii, NA, Italy
⁴ Ecole Normale Supérieure—PSL, Laboratoire AOrOc Archéologie et Philologie d’Orient et d’Occident-UMR 8546, 45 rue d’Ulm, 75005, Paris, France
⁵ Technical Planning Secretariat of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, via Villa dei Misteri 2, 80045, Pompei, NA, Italy

^* e-mail: vvenuti@unime.it

Received: 2 July 2018
Accepted: 1 November 2018
Published online: 21 December 2018

Abstract

In the archaeological site of Pompeii, epigraphs Tituli Picti applied on stone, such as Campanian ignimbrite in Oscan and Latin language, were surveyed by different authors. Although there are several publications concerning the building materials and artefacts of Pompeii, the scientific literature lacks of studies regarding the knowledge and conservation of such paints. The diagnostic and conservation project is aimed at determining the execution technique, as well as at defining the state of conservation of the Tituli Picti realized on the Campanian ignimbrite. In addition, the study will provide experimental data useful to suggest proper conservation procedures, mainly in terms of protective and consolidating products to be used. Results carried out by means of Optical Microscopy, Electron Probe Microanalysis, portable XRF and portable Raman techniques revealed that the epigraphs were applied on the stone surface, without any setting layer. Hematite-based red ochre was detected as pigment. On the contrary, it is still unclear if any substance was used to bind the pigment on the stone substrate. The subsequent stage of the project will include the reproduction of Tituli Picti in laboratory and the development of suitable conservation procedures to be tested in situ.