Colorimetry to assess the visual impact of dust deposition on mosaics at sheltered archaeological sites

A novel colorimetric approach using a spectrophotometer and LumiCam® camera revealed that wet cleaning, despite involving water—a known decay factor—is the most effective method for restoring the original visual appearance of dust-covered mosaics at sheltered archaeological sites. This finding challenges conventional conservation practices by demonstrating that wet cleaning can mitigate the negative visual impact of dust deposition on high-value decorative elements like the mosaic in the House of Hippolytus, a Roman villa in Alcalá de Henares (Spain). The study highlights the need to reassess cleaning regimes for sheltered sites, where dust accumulation is less frequently washed away than in open-air settings. By objectively evaluating color and spectral changes before and after dry and wet cleaning, researchers provide critical insights to guide conservation strategies that balance aesthetic recovery with material preservation.

Cabello Briones, C., Mayorga Pinilla, S., Vázquez Moliní, D., & Álvarez Fernández-Balbuena, A. (2021). Colorimetry to assess the visual impact of dust deposition on mosaics at sheltered archaeological sites. Heritage Science, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40494-021-00509-0