Pigments from Pasargadae and Persepolis in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (NY): recent scientific investigations on four paper squeezes

Recent scientific analysis of paper squeezes from UNESCO World Heritage Sites Pasargadae and Persepolis has identified new evidence of lazurite as a blue pigment and magnetite as black, alongside confirming previously known red pigments. These findings, derived from microscopic investigations, imaging techniques, and chemical analyses, provide deeper insights into the ancient polychromatic contexts of these sites. The study examined architectural fragments, including an anthropomorphic ear relief from Palace P in Pasargadae and a Hebrew-inscribed stone block from Persepolis' Tachara, revealing the complexity of pigment use in Achaemenid art and architecture.

Shekofteh, A., Nagel, A., & Oudbashi, O. (2025). Pigments from Pasargadae and Persepolis in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (NY): recent scientific investigations on four paper squeezes. Conservar Património. https://doi.org/10.14568/cp35708