Micro-Raman Analysis of the Pigments on a Crucifix in Calabria

Abstract

This study was carried out on a crucifix located inside the church of St. Mary Major in Acri. The story of this crucifix is not very clear, and its dating is still uncertain, as well; however, it ranges between the 15th and the 14th century. The wooden sculpture of the crucified body of Jesus was painted and the conservation state of the color appeared good. A detailed analysis of the pigments was considered very useful in verifying the restoration history of this crucifix, and to discriminate between the original painting and later restoration activities. A micro-Raman analysis reveals the presence of the classical pigments expected for the estimated age of the crucifix, such as gypsum, terra di Siena, vermilion, carbon black, and others. In addition, other pigments of more recent use were found, such as Prussian blue, titanium white, lithopone, and chromium yellow, mostly in the thong around body of Jesus, which appears green. This is a clear indication of a relevant modification of the artifact in modern times, when the thong was totally painted again; smaller modifications were surely revealed by the presence of “modern” pigments on other points of the body.