News from the Pilina Research Project: Identifying a Lime Painting Technique on Greek Terracotta Figurines (4th-3rd cent. BC)

As scientific research advances, we are gaining a deeper understanding of the arts and crafts of colouration in ancient Greek coroplastic production. The intricate quality of the polychrome decorations found on numerous figurines highlights the refined skill and expertise of ancient painters. Despite these advancements, our knowledge of ancient techniques pertaining to binding agents remains somewhat restricted. While it is widely believed that organic compounds such as egg, animal glue, and gums were used in a tempera-like technique, precise scientific identification is often lacking due to the weathering or dissolution of these substances over time.

New findings from the Pilina research project, focused on investigating Greek polychrome terracotta figurines, have identified a painting technique utilizing lime as a mineral binder on a dozen pieces produced by Attic and Boeotian workshops from the 4th– 3rd cent. B.C. This paper presents the scientific evidence collected through a comprehensive multi-technique approach, including multi-spectral imaging, microscopy, XRF, XRD, SEM-FEG, FORS, Raman, and cathodoluminescence. The findings reveal that ancient craftsmen employed the lime technique either for the entire polychrome decoration of a statuette using various pigments, or selectively in specific areas, often in association with a purple organic colourant. Finally, the historical context of this painting technè will be discussed.