Robert Linke

Short bio Robert Linke Diploma and doctor’s degree in Chemistry at the Vienna University of Technology with a focus on Analytical Chemistry. Robert Linke was a University Assistant at the Institute of Science and Technology at the Academy of Fine Arts, Vienna from 1998 to 2004. Since 2004, he is the head of the Scientific Department of the Federal Monuments Authority Austria, a lecturer at the Vienna University of Technology, the University of Applied Arts Vienna and the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna. His research work focuses on painting technology and the characterisation of materials applied in fine arts.

 

ABSTRACT

Scientific investigations on Late Roman mural paintings from Lauriacum (Enns)

Archaeological rescue excavations carried out by the Federal Monuments Authority Austria in Enns (Upper Austria) revealed remains of a Roman villa from the third century AD, which were salvaged particularly en bloc. In total, the find contained more than 2,000 fragments of plaster. Conservation and restoration work, which was conducted in the Conservation Department, showed mural paintings from four different time periods and of very high quality. Finally, an interdisciplinary project, which involved more than 25 archaeologists, conservators, scientists, art historians, curators and five different institutions, gave interesting insights into cultural, social as well as technological and artistic aspects of that period.

This presentation focuses on the construction technique of the building as well as on the art technology of the mural decor. Microscopic analyses of the mortar show a sophisticated system of a combination of loam and lime binders. Further investigations identified pigments such as ochre, green earth, umbra and carbon black, which were applied in secco technique. For economic reasons, more expensive pigments, such as cinnabar and Egyptian blue, were used with a red base coat or with an organic binder. Comparisons with murals from Carnuntum and other archaeological sites in Austria emphasise the high artistic quality of the paintings and widen the knowledge on painting technology of that time.