Organic materials in wall paintings: the historical and analytical literature

Among the materials within the complex matrix of wall paintings, organic materials are the most prone to deterioration. Deterioration is dependent on environmental factors but can also be related to treatments that adversely affect the organic components. Although it is current practice to carry out scientific investigations prior to conservation, it remains a challenging task to identify the organic materials in wall paintings and to understand the ways in which other components and contaminants interfere with their identification. To aid future study and to improve conservation treatments, historical and analytical information on organic materials in wall paintings has been collected and tabulated. The historical literature has been reviewed, looking at types of materials and their preparation methods as described in manuscripts, treatises and manuals. A review of the analytical literature has been carried out to determine which types of organic materials have been identified, while recording the analytical techniques used for this purpose. It is hoped that such information may provide support for the ongoing study of wall paintings and to better prepare those responsible for their treatment.