As part of our work and research on current exhibitions, the Brooklyn Museum Conservation Lab been utilizing multiple new imaging techniques to identify the presence of different blue pigments. The two images above show the top of a cosmetic palette currently on view as part of A Women’s Afterlife photographed using standard photography practices (top) and Multi-Spectral Imaging (bottom). Close examination of the top photo shows some blue pigment remaining in the top center of the incised circle. As this pigment is likely Egyptian Blue, Multi-Spectral Imaging was done to determine if any additional Egyptian Blue is present that is undetectable to the eye. In the image on the bottom, the white areas within the incised lid decoration are the remains of the Egyptian Blue. Much more is remaining than is even visible under microscopy. The extent of the pigment suggests that all of the incised lotus decoration was likely originally blue!
Posted by Kate Fugett