The colors of the “Alexander Sarcophagus”

When the famous and extremely well preserved “Alexander Sarcophagus” had been brought from the Sidonian Royal Necropolis to the National Archaeological Museum of Istanbul in the late 19th century the polychromy was still exceptionally fresh and vivid.

In the 'Alexander Sarcophagus' (dating from around 320 BC), the different materials are characterized by the colors used. The work is revolutionary in its use of light and shade. Twentytwo different unmixed pigments were applied. The painting not only gives the illusion of plastic details on the surface, but also highlights the physical three-dimensional contours of the relief by means of lighter and darker coloration. This painterly effect was achieved by the application of successive layers.

Investigation under the microscope, UV-radiation and raking light, pigment analysis by UV-Vis Absorption Spectroscopy has been effectuated successfully in the last four years. The complete sarcophagus has been scanned furthermore in 3D stereoscopy and partially printed in 3D rapid prototyping procedures. The intervention led into a reconstruction of the former polychrome surface of the marble relief figures.

Vinzenz Brinkmann