I colori del bianco

Ancient (and medieval) sculpture was normally painted, in colors that the modern eye would find garish. Microscopic analysis of pigment traces has made it possible to reconstruct how statues and architectural ornamentation originally looked, but this work has not gained much attention outside of specialist circles.

Now there's an exhibition at the Vatican, with various famous bits of antique sculpture displayed alongside painted replicas. There's a review in the Guardian; Italian writeups at La Repubblica (with photos), RAI, RomaOne.

Posted by David on November 23, 2004 10:30 AM