1660240936270 B25f2fa795eb41a3b1d967488f77df57

UV light turns Greek statues from white to brightly colored

May 12, 2016

Think that you know the ancient Greek statues? Think again.

Think that you know the ancient Greek statues? Think again. These marble marvels were once brightly painted, but thousands of years of wear have stripped these masterpieces of their true hue. But modern technology can now detect patterns and colors that were once thought to be lost.

According to io9: "A technique called ‘raking light' has been used to analyze art for a long time. A lamp is positioned carefully enough that the path of the light is almost parallel to the surface of the object. When used on paintings, this makes brushstrokes, grit, and dust obvious. On statues, the effect is more subtle. Brush-strokes are impossible to see, but because different paints wear off at different rates, the stone is raised in some places – protected from erosion by its cap of paint – and lowered in others. Elaborate patterns become visible.

Ultraviolet is also used to discern patterns. UV light makes many organic compounds fluoresce. Art dealers use UV lights to check if art has been touched up, since older paints have a lot of organic compounds and modern paints have relatively little. On ancient Greek statues, tiny fragments of pigment still left on the surface glow bright, illuminating more detailed patterns.

Infrared and X-ray spectroscopy can help researchers understand what the paints are made of, and how they looked all that time ago."

About the Author

Alexis Gajewski | Senior Content Strategist

Alexis Gajewski has over 15 years of experience in the maintenance, reliability, operations, and manufacturing space. She joined Plant Services in 2008 and works to bring readers the news, insight, and information they need to make the right decisions for their plants. Alexis also authors “The Lighter Side of Manufacturing,” a blog that highlights the fun and innovative advances in the industrial sector. 

Sponsored Recommendations

A Paradigm Shift in Pump Selection

Jan. 22, 2025
Discover how INNOMAG® is transforming pump selection with innovative design and unparalleled performance. Learn how this breakthrough solution simplifies operations, enhances ...

The Need for Speed: The Most Advanced Sealless Pump is Also the Fastest

Jan. 14, 2025
Struggling with a troublesome pump? Get a reliable solution in just five days with the fastest, most advanced sealless pump on the market.

Say Goodbye to Pumping’s Weakest Links

Jan. 14, 2025
Shaft seals and ball bearings cause nearly 80% of pump failures—but not with INNOMAG®. With no seals, no bearings, and a thrust-balanced design, these pumps deliver unmatched ...

Ready to Reduce the Cost of Energy with a Highly Efficient, More Forgiving Pump?

Jan. 14, 2025
INNOMAG® pumps save energy and maintain peak efficiency over time—no wear and tear. Discover how they can lower your operating costs and increase reliability.