Searching for lost colours in Late Antiquity: Milan and Ravenna

This contribution seeks to present the preliminary results of an initial and partial survey of colour traces on sarcophagi, architectural elements, and presbyterial chancel screens in Milan and Ravenna. The authors' intention is to undertake a major project aimed at studying a selection of materials with a complete protocol of analysis, in order to reconstruct their colours and techniques of execution. The aim is to compare the chromatic code with examples preserved in inlaid marble and mosaics, as well as in the figurative culture of late-antique Milan and Ravenna. Finally, the project is aimed at understanding the chromatic value of artefacts which lost their colours, and how these related to the polychromy of the original context in which they were exhibited. In this way we will re-adress some more general questions about polychromy in Late Antiquity. In particular, we should be able to assess whether there was continuity or discontinuity with Roman colour codes; if there were changes in rendering and techniques; and, finally, how colours were used, in other words if any media was indeed suitable for the application of paint.