How to distinguish red coloring matter used in prehistoric time? The contribution of visible near‐infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy

• Published in: Color research and application Vol. 46; no. 3; pp. 653 - 673
• Main Authors: Chalmin, Emilie, Schmitt, Bernard, Chanteraud, Claire, Kergommeaux, Aurélie Chassin, Soufi, Fayçal, Salomon, Hélène
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken, USA John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.06.2021; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc; Wiley
• Subjects: Archaeology; Archaeology and Prehistory; Chemical Sciences; Coloring; Composition; diffuse reflectance; Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy; Earth Sciences; Environment and Society; Environmental Sciences; Humanities and Social Sciences; Material chemistry; Mineralogy; Petrography; prehistory; Radiometers; Radiometry; red coloring matter; rock art; Sciences of the Universe; Spectra; Spectral signatures; visible‐infrared spectra

Although the main prehistoric color used for paintings is red, knowledge of this coloring matter often boils down to saying that it is “ochre.” However, the red coloring matter of Prehistory is numerous and may have been the subject of various preparations, mixtures, or even alterations. Understandi...