Scientific Analyses of Minoan Fresco Samples from Knossos

Abstract

The stratigraphical excavations of the British School at Athens of the Minoan settlement at Knossos on Crete following the Second World War have produced, among much else, many fragmentary remains of wall paintings in datable archaeological contexts of almost every period from Early Minoan I to Late Minoan IIIB (c. 3000–1200 B.C.). This circumstance therefore presented an excellent opportunity to examine and analyse scientifically fresco samples spanning almost the entire Minoan epoch in the hope that it might be possible to fill in some of the gaps in present knowledge of Minoan wall painting technology. A cursory glance at the published reports of Aegean Bronze Age fresco analyses, especially prior to research since 1974, indicates the ‘gaps’ to be both wide and many: so few samples had been examined from any one site, or from any one period, or from paintings of any serious art-historical significance at all, that the scientific, statistical, and art-historical basis of this field of research seemed very dubiously established. The present study, which has grown from Dr. Mark Cameron's preparation of the publication of the new fresco material from these excavations, only became feasible when suitable laboratory facilities presented themselves.