October 28, 2010
True Colours
Vinzenz Brinkmann...carefully analyzes the surface residue of pigments on classical sculptures and then uses this evidence to extrapolate how these works may have originally appeared. The results are, to say the least, surprising.
via
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...simple, unadorned beauty of pure white marble ... [vs] garish Technicolor of classical sculpture. This. I prefer the Alexander Sarcophagus in its natural state, but I do love the Trojan Archer. Way cool colors and realistic face. Interesting link, islander. Bees will also enjoy the nature poetry of the 17c apothecary, I'm sure.
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Oo! Nice find, islander! I enjoy the vivid colours, regardless of whether the Greeks or the medievals or the Egyptians slathered 'em on. Often wanted to see Europe's cathedrals the way they were centuries back.
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Since Brinkman analyzes the traces of colors which are just barely remaining, my thought is that they only show the underpainting. Considering the refinement of the sculptural work, it seems likely that the painting would be taken to a similar level of refinement.
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A model cut from stone, refined to mock the real, deserves a fine patina: a shimmering tracery of fine veins or makeup, or even a blotched decrepitude to make for more similitude.