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

Paper squeezes from architectural features and fragments from Pasargadae and Persepolis in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (MMA) in New York City were examined using microscopic investigation, imaging techniques, and chemical and molecular analyses. The study focused on pigments from (1) an anthropomorphic ear from a relief fragment in Palace P, (2) a fragment of a rosette from the crown of a Lamassu from Gate R (“Gate House”), both in Pasargadae; (3) a stone axe from a delegation depicted on the north façade of the Apadana, and (4) a stone block with a Hebrew inscription from one of the standing door or window jambs of the Tachara at Persepolis. Analyses confirmed red pigments identified in previous studies and revealed new evidence of lazurite as a blue pigment and magnetite as black. The findings can help us construct further aspects of specific ancient polychromatic contexts at Pasargadae and Persepolis.