New Discoveries: Greek and Roman Art’s Colorful Secrets
Recent findings reveal that ancient Greek and Roman statues were not the colorless marble artworks we commonly imagine. A March study in the Oxford Journal of Archaeology demonstrates that these statues were, in fact, adorned with perfumes and scented oils, giving them a more lifelike appearance.
Research revealed inscriptions and texts mentioning the use of fragrances on deities such as Artemis and Hera. For example, Roman writer Cicero described the treatment of a statue of Artemis in Sicily, and poet Callimachus depicted Queen Berenice II’s statue from Egypt. Furthermore, excavation at the sanctuary of Delos in Greece uncovered perfume workshops and related inscriptions.
Adding to previous research from the past decade, which showed ancient sculptures were painted in vibrant colors, this study by Cecilie Brons reveals a multi-sensory experience for ancient viewers, challenging the centuries-long perception of classical sculptures as monochrome.
The myth of the whiteness of classical sculpture stems from the Renaissance, when the emphasis on form overshadowed color, as Renaissance artists themselves crafted their works in the style of bare marble. The deliberate overlooking of color traces was common, with a famous example being the "Laocoön and his Sons" statue discovered in Rome in 1503.
Exhibitions, like "Gods in Color" by archaeologists Vinzenz Brinkmann and Ulrike Koch-Brinkmann, have showcased over 100 brightly painted replicas of ancient sculptures. The prevalence of white marble statues also aligned with Enlightenment ideals of purity and the distancing from decorative Ottoman Empire art.
Historical figures like art historian Johann Winckelmann and later the Nazis, who admired the aesthetic of ancient Greek and Roman art, perpetuated the white statue myth. The wide range of colors used in Greek statues symbolized various categorical concepts showing gender and social roles.
Thus, the rediscovery of color in ancient Greek and Roman art challenges long-held assumptions, revealing a more vibrant cultural heritage.
