Evolved Gas Analysis‐Mass Spectrometry to Identify the Earliest Organic Binder in Aegean Style Wall Paintings

Abstract

An organic binder was identified in the painted fragments from the Canaanite palace of Tel Kabri, Israel. Recently dated to the late 18th century B.C.E. by C, Tel Kabri is the most ancient of the Eastern Mediterranean sites in which Aegean style paintings have been found. The application of pigments was suspected to be using an organic binding medium, particularly for the Egyptian Blue pigment. Samples of blue paint were examined using evolved gas analysis-mass spectrometry (EGA-MS) in order to overcome the analytical challenges imposed by highly degraded aged proteinaceous materials. Egg was identified as the binder based on the presence of hexadecanonitrile and octadecanonitrile, confirming the use of a secco painting technique. Lysozyme C from Gallus gallus was detected by proteomics analysis, confirming the presence of egg. To our knowledge, this is the earliest use of egg as a binder in Aegean style wall paintings.

Tempera and Tempera Grassa─From Wet Paints to Solid Films

“…This is comparable to what is observed in very ancient paintings (e.g., 18th century B.C.E. mural paintings from Tel Kabri) . At the same time, the thermal decomposition of the glycerides is significantly, relatively decreased and shifted to higher temperature, indicating cross-linking.…”

“…mural paintings from Tel Kabri). 49 At the same time, the thermal decomposition of the glycerides is significantly, relatively decreased and shifted to higher temperature, indicating cross-linking. The relative increase in the signal relative to the evolution of nitrile species is not observed in TG paints, at least in the time period investigated here.…”