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Acroterium

Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek

Summary

The acroterium is made of limestone and is intact. It has been examined with Visible Induced Luminescence with positive results. Luminescend pigments can be seen on the decoration of the base, which indicates the use of Egyptian blue.

Description of object

The acroterium consists of two narrow fillets with cymation and meander decoration. Above is a tendril with three palmettes. The acroterium adorned a building or a gravestone. It is intact.

Choice of methods

Visual examination

  • Macroscopic

Technical imaging

  • VIL

Technical imaging

VIL: The acroterium was examined with VIL. Egyptian blue was discovered.

Bibliography

F. Poulsen (1951), Catalogue of Ancient Sculpture in the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen, cat. no. 202.

A.M. Nielsen (1992), Catalogue. The Cypriote Collection. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen, cat. no. 29.

  • IN 471
  • Acroterion
  • 5th century B.C.E.
  • Classical
  • Limestone.
  • Bought in 1888 from the Tyszkiewicz collection in Rome.
  • H. 46 cm.; W. 51 cm.; D. 25 cm.

Selected photos

  • Img_6852_red
  • Vil_detail

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Vil_detail
  • Detail: Image with Visible Induced Luminescence: The luminescend particles indicates Egyptian Blue pigments.