“C.S.I.”: Colour Scientific Investigation using Raman Spectroscopy 

(Conférence en anglais – Διάλεξη στα αγγλικά)

Thomas Katsaros Byzantine and Christian Museum of Athens, Department of Conservation of Antiquities- Laboratory Physico-chemical Analyses and Archaeometry

Salle des conférences de l’EFA / Αίθουσα διαλέξεων της EFA

Raman spectroscopy is a non-invasive analytical technique and, due to its character, a valuable tool for pigments characterization. The common study material consists of icons and wall painting.
However, when the Byzantine and Christian Museum of Athens was attacked last summer by two individuals with a mysterious oily substance – a strange action that brings to our minds religious activism -, the handheld ability of Raman spectroscopy instrumentation allowed us the “in situ” analysis of the mysterious substance, and the Raman analytical results of the un-Holy Oil revealed traces of Baby oil.
The report of the investigation was sent to the Police and the two individuals were convicted by the Court of Justice for deliberately destroying ancient artifacts. This strange act turned out to be an opportunity for everyone to understand the potential of Raman spectroscopy regarding accuracy and speed. Therefore, in addition to the routine Raman analysis of a colorant, we shall discuss here some examples of forensic investigation.

CONTACTSSophia Zoumboulaki
Assistante administrative pour la Direction des Études
sophia.zoumboulaki@efa.gr
+ 30 210 36 79 904

Nolwenn Grémillet
Communication
nolwenn.gremillet@efa.gr
+ 30 210 36 79 943