Current Approaches, Solutions and Practices in Conservation of Cultural Heritage
Characterization of Roman Over-paintings at Luxor Temple, Luxor, Egypt
Ahmed Sallam, Mona F. Ali, Yoko Tanigushi, Sayed Hemeda, Ezz A. OrabiIn this study, we characterized the Roman over-paintings at the Luxor Temple, which is one of the most famous and archaeologically important Temples in Egypt. Herein, samples for the characterization were collected from the fallen fragments of Roman fresco in Luxor Temple. The cross-sections of the samples were analyzed using binocular imaging, scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and computed tomography to identify different layers in the over-paintings and their compositions. In the case of the Roman over-paintings at the Luxor Temple, the coarse plaster layer, “arriccio,” comprised mainly quartz, gypsum, and calcium carbonate. However, the fine plaster layer, “intonaco,” was composed of calcite, quartz, and gypsum. Furthermore, the paint layer contained mainly calcium carbonate (lime) and traces of gypsum. The results suggested that probably, Coptic artists used the technique of “Secco Fresco” for developing the Roman over-paintings at Luxor Temple.