The technique and technology of wall paintings from the Villa of Theseus in Nea Paphos (Cyprus)
2025, 34, No. 1
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Abstract
This article presents the results of research conducted on the material structure of preserved fragments of Late Roman wall paintings from the Villa of Theseus at the archaeological site of Nea Paphos in Cyprus. Microchemical tests, instrumental methods, petrographic analysis, and optical microscopy were employed. The analysis of collected plaster samples revealed a mineral binder and carbonate-based filler, along with a lime binder in the painting layers, natural pigments, and Egyptian blue. The stratigraphy of the technological layers was established, which, in most cases, consists of two types of plasters differentiated by the filler material. The arrangement of the technological layers includes the lower plasters (arriccio) resting on the stone surface of the walls, the top layer of plaster (intonaco), on which pigments dispersed in water were applied, and impasto paints — where pigments were mixed with limewash. The results of the analyses and the findings regarding the painting techniques largely align with previous studies of ancient wall paintings in Cyprus.
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