Pigment identification on 'Pieta' of Barletta, example of Renaissance Apulian sculpture: A Raman microscopy study

A study of the original painting layer of the 'Pieta' of Barletta, a polychrome statue, important example of Renaissance Apulian sculpture, was performed by mu-Raman spectroscopy. Vermilion was identified in the original layer of the blood drops on Jesus knee. Lazurite was identified as the original blue pigment on Our Lady's veil and lace, currently a yellow ochre-like color. The use of lazurite demonstrates the historical-artistic importance of this polychrome statue, and supports the hypothesis that this artwork was probably commissioned by Our Lady's devotees to itinerant artists inspired by the more precious Vesperbilder model. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.