This study aims to report the first analytical results obtained on a Graeco-Roman painted textile mummy shroud from the Egyptian Museum of Cairo.
The analytical methodology included the examination by USB digital microscopic, infrared imaging, morphological and microanalysis analysis via the field emission scanning electron microscope with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer. A non-invasive chemical analysis of several points on the shroud’s surface was performed by a portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Further, the molecular analysis of some samples was performed by an attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
The results revealed the application of unusual painting technique as multi-painted layers were applied directly to the textile fabric of the shroud. The analysis of the chromatic palette showed that a mixture of magnetite and carbon black was used to produce the black pigment, while a mixture of lead-based pigment and hematite was used for the red pigment. More, the whitish-blue hue probably was obtained through mixing iron-based bluish-green pigment with hydrocerussite. The orange pigment was obtained through adding hematite to an arsenic-based pigment, while the green pigment is a type of iron-based green pigments. In addition, a mixture of arsenic-based pigment, goethite and blue copper-based product was used to create the bluish-green colour.
The findings of this research draw the attention on the painting materials and technique used in a Graeco-Roman textile shroud from Egypt using non-invasive techniques.
