Ancient Greek Vases’ Ethereal White Hue Revealed to Be Gypsum-Based
A new analysis of ancient Greek vases confirms that artists of the period utilized gypsum, or calcium sulfate dihydrate, to achieve a distinctive white background – a rare color choice for vessels typically adorned with red or black.
Researchers have determined that these uniquely colored vases, dating back to 450 to 440 BC, were likely commissioned for the funeral rites of elite members of ancient Greek society. For centuries, the composition of the white slip used on these vessels remained a mystery, but a team from the University of Palermo in Italy has now unlocked its secrets.
Most kraters – a type of vase used for mixing wine and water – created in ancient Greece featured red backgrounds, with black also being a common choice. Figures were then painted onto these dark backgrounds using white and red pigments. The use of white as a base color, however, was exceptional.
Did you know? – The white-background vases were likely reserved for the funerals of the wealthy. This contrasts with the more common red- or black-background vases. The white color gave the vases a unique,ethereal quality.
The study, published in the journal RSC Advances, highlights the request of archaeometrics – the use of scientific techniques to study archaeological materials – to unravel the mysteries of the past.Researchers employed a range of methods, including radiometric dating, remote sensing, spectroscopy, and mathematical modeling, to arrive at their conclusions.
The investigation focused on unusual Attic vases, revealing that the ancient Greeks intentionally used gypsum to create an “ethereal, otherworldly quality” that distinguished them from more common vase designs. The Perseus Krater, currently housed in the Pietro Griffo archaeological museum in Agrigento, Italy, serves as a prime example. This exquisite piece depicts the myth of Perseus and Andromeda, with the artist applying a “runny coating” of gypsum across the entire surface before adding vibrant figures.
To determine the composition of the white slip, the Palermo team utilized x-ray fluorescence (XRF) and total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (TR-FTIR).They also analyzed the vases under both visible and ultraviolet light to examine their chemical properties. Initial analysis revealed notable amounts of calcium across the white surfaces, leading researchers to consider three potential sources: calcium carbonate, kaolinite (a type of clay), and calcium sulfates (gypsum).
Reader question: – What other materials were used in ancient Greek vase painting? What colors were common, and how were they made? Share your thoughts on the use of white as a base color in the comments.
Using specialized software called SmART_scan, the researchers created “maps” illustrating the distribution of calcium and sulfur. These maps definitively showed that gypsum was used as the base for the white slip. The TR-FTIR process further solidified this finding by ruling out the presence of both kaolinite and calcium carbonate.
Further analysis via TR-FTIR of the painted figures indicated that the potters likely fired the vases at temperatures between 700-900°C, a finding consistent with existing knowledge of Attic vase production.
Pro tip: – Archaeometrics is a powerful tool. It uses scientific methods to analyze artifacts. This helps researchers understand the past. It can reveal details about materials, techniques, and the context of ancient objects.
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