Mineralogical and petrographic characterization of the Cerrillo Blanco Iberian sculptures

Abstract

The archaeological heritage at Cerrillo Blanco (Porcuna, Spain) is made up of 27 sculptural ensembles and hundreds of fragments dated between the seventh and second centuries BC. They represent a fundamental milestone in Iberian art and culture. Despite their relevance, no scientific studies have been carried out to date in order to fully understand the materials, intentions and techniques that led to their creation. This is a study carried out on original pieces from the Archaeological Museum of Jaén using stereoscopic optical microscopy (SOM), polarised optical microscopy (POM), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray analysis (FESEM-EDX) and spectrophotometry (SF). The results obtained provide new information on the material composition of this important legacy of the Iberian civilization as well as its main alteration factors.

Polychromy in the Iberian Sculptures of Cerrillo Blanco: Analytical Study, Historical Context and State of Conservation

“…In sample 0092, a bright, thin layer of synthetic organic consolidant can be seen that impregnates the surface of the sample (Figure 4b). Previous reports about the restoration of the Cerrillo Blanco sculptures indicate that the most eroded areas of many sculptures were consolidated with Paraloid B72 [1,18]. Consolidant was seen to be lacking on the back of the sample of a few hundred µm, suggesting low penetration achieved in the consolidation treatment and a low deterioration risk of the original material in the short term, due to the low quantity applied.…”

“…The images obtained at low magnification that are displayed in Figure 4 show the micromorphology of the red polychromed areas. The samples are irregular cryptocrystalline aggregates of the calcite that forms the biocalcarenite rock used in the sculptures [1]. The dark red pigment appears as a thin layer of cryptocrystalline morphology deposited directly on the surface of the stony samples without any intermediate preparation or ground layer.…”

“…The archaeological complex of Cerrillo Blanco is one of the main pinnacles of Iberian art. It comes from the site of the same name, in today's municipal area of Porcuna (Jaén, Spain), and is made up of 27 sculptural groups made of white calcarenite stone [1] in homage to a dominant dynasty in Ipolca, the capital of the Turdili, around the first half of the 5th century BC [2,3]. The sculptures were produced for a local aristocracy and depict various fights between men, animals, mythological beings and ceremonial figures (Figure 1) in order to satisfy their desire to be represented and receive homage in the earthly and spiritual worlds [4][5][6].…”