Surprising painting techniques discovered on pottery through X-ray analysis

Scientists are trying to recognise the chemical elements used in painting of Greek vessels through X-ray imaging. The spots marked in blacks, reds and whites can be identified as particular elements, such as iron, potassium, calcium and zinc.

A chemical map of a painting on a Greek vessel (by PhysOrg)
A chemical map of a painting on a Greek vessel (by PhysOrg)

Synchrotron X-ray fluorescence, conducted at Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL) at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory was able to uncover surprising steps in the production process that challenge the conventional understanding of how the vessels were painted. The study shows that even mass-produced pottery, such as produced for the Festival of Athena every four years, shows certain standards of aesthetic excellence.

The Greek vessel that was analysed (by PhysOrg)
The Greek vessel that was analysed (by PhysOrg)

(after PhysOrg)

1 Comment


  1. // Reply

    Unbelievable, i thought there was nothing more to discover! thanks for the news!

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