Pigments from Pasargadae and Persepolis in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (NY): recent scientific investigations on four paper squeezes

Atefeh Shekofteh; Alexander Nagel; Omid Oudbashi

doi:10.14568/cp35708

Authors

Atefeh Shekofteh Department of Scientific Research, Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave, NY 10028, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0664-8476
Alexander Nagel Department of Art History, State University of New York, FIT, 227 West 27th Street, NY 10001, USA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0430-885X
Omid Oudbashi Department of Conservation, University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 7 B, 41390, Sweden https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7984-8199

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14568/cp35708

Keywords:

Pasargadae, Persepolis, Pigments, Lazurite, Hematite, Goethite

Abstract

Paper squeezes from architectural features and fragments from Pasargadae and Persepolis in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MMA) in New York City were examined using microscopic investigation, imaging techniques, and chemical and molecular analyses. The study focused on pigments from (1) an anthropomorphic ear from a relief fragment in Palace P, (2) a fragment of a rosette from the crown of a Lamassu from Gate R (“Gate House”), both in Pasargadae; (3) a stone axe from a delegation depicted on the north façade of the Apadana, and (4) a stone block with a Hebrew inscription from one of the standing door or window jambs of the Tachara at Persepolis. Analyses confirmed red pigments identified in previous studies and revealed new evidence of lazurite as a blue pigment and magnetite as black. The findings can help us construct further aspects of specific ancient polychromatic contexts at Pasargadae and Persepolis.

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