NATIONAL PHD IN HERITAGE SCIENCE

Thesis title: Materials and techniques in pictorial decoration. A technological comparison between East and West

Using a multi-analytical archaeometric approach, this thesis examines pictorial materials, pictorial decoration techniques, and support systems, both ceramic and wall-based, in Late Republican–Imperial Roman and Qin-dynasty contexts. By focusing on two geographically distant but historically central areas of ancient Eurasia, the research examines how different societies developed technical solutions for the preparation, decoration and structural organisation of painted surfaces. Five case studies are examined: painted plasters from the Temple of Cupra Marittima and the villa-mansio of Vignale; painted architectural terracottas from the Northern Sanctuary of Cuma; painted fragments from the Terracotta Army; and multilayer plasters from the palace structures of Xianyang. The analytical protocol combines microscopic, chemical, mineralogical, thermal and spectroscopic techniques, including DM, PLM, SEM, XRF, SEM-EDS, XRPD, TG-DSC, FORS, FTIR and Raman. The results reveal convergences in the stratigraphic organisation of the supports, aimed at ensuring regularity of the painted surfaces. However, significant differences emerge in the selection of raw materials, preparation and application procedures, reflecting distinct technological traditions and cultural frameworks.