Raffaello's Use of Egyptian Blue in Villa Farnesina Fresco Revealed

A team of researchers, headed by Professor Antonio Sgamellotti, discovered that Raphael (Raffaello Sanzio) incorporated Egyptian blue in his fresco "Triumph of Galatea" located at Villa Farnesina in Rome. This pigment was detected in Galatea's eyes, the sea, and the sky using non-invasive XRF scanning techniques. The research group comprised Claudio Seccaroni, Chiara Anselmi, Michela Azzarelli, Manuela Vagnini, Roberto Alberti, and Tommaso Frizzi, indicating Raphael's interest in ancient themes. Their findings were showcased in the exhibition "Raffaello in Villa Farnesina: Galatea e Psiche," curated by Sgamellotti and Virginia Lapenta, which runs until January 6, 2021. The exhibition also includes previously unseen drawings and the show "La Favola di Amore e Psiche," featuring engravings from 1899-1903, along with a digital system for virtual exploration of the Loggia of Cupid and Psyche.