Inorganic, organic and biochemical characterization of wall paintings from a Roman domus

Pigments, ligands, and mortars of wall paintings from a Roman domus in Santa Maria Capua Vetere were studied with a multi-methodological approach. Optical and Scanning Electron microscopy, Raman micro-spectroscopy were combined with GC- MS and LC-MS/MS analyses in order to achieve a comprehensive picture of the chemical components of some fine wall paintings recently excavated in Santa Maria Capua Vetere. The four-layers preparation, the rich pigments palette (both natural and synthetic ones) and the variety of the organic ligands used support the hypothesis of a very wealthy owner. The archaeological indication suggest that he might be related to the Emperor Augustus.