| Abstrakt: |
This paper describes the combined use of imaging and spectroscopic techniques performed on a polychrome wooden statuette of the god Ptah -Sokr-Osiris from 26th dynasty in ancient Egypt, with the aim of identifying the painted materials layered on wood surface and emphasizing the surface texture of the painted preparation layers. The identification of wood was also included in the study. The wood sample was identified by observing the thin sections with optical transmission light microscope; the painted materials layered on the wood surface were analyzed by both imaging and spectroscopic techniques including optical microscopy (OM), reflectance transformation imaging (RTI), technical photography [visible, visible- induced ultraviolet luminescence (UVL), ultraviolet reflectance (UVR), infrared (IR), visible- induced infrared luminescence (VIL), infrared false color (IRFC)] ,dino-lite USB microscope (UVlIR), handheld X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The microscopic observation of wood thin sections allows identifying it as a native Egyptian Sycamore fig (Ficus sycomorus). The preparation layer was proved to be a mixture of calcite and quartz. The chromatic palette used in the statuette was identified as hematite, Egyptian blue, arsenic sulphides, possibly malachite and carbon from charred animal origin. The application of RTI provided new and valuable information about surface irregularities of the painted layers and marks relating to surface preparation that are imperceptible to the naked eye or through other inspection techniques. Dino-Lite USB digital microscope (UV/ IR) has proven to be a simple and a cost-effective tool for recognizing the spatial distribution of the single crystals of the pigments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
