Archaeometric investigation on wall paintings from the most ancient hellenistic hypogeum found in Sicily (c.da Apaforte-Licata (AG))

In the present work, an analytical study of paintings from an ancient hypogeum, dated back to 4th – 3rd cent B.C. and located in Licata (Sicily, Southern Italy) has been carried out. A selection of representative wall colored plasters have been sampled and analysed in non-destructive and micro-destructive way in order to identify the pigmenting agents, preparation layers and study the deterioration processes. The obtained results, together with previous data on Hellenistic art in Sicily, may be helpful to create a database about the evolution of mural painting in Sicily as well as identify the raw materials and pigment agents used in plasters manufacture.