A study conducted by the University of Bari “Aldo Moro” has brought to light fascinating discoveries on the inventions of the VII Prince of Sansevero, Raimondo di Sangro, in the field of the creation of artificial stones and colors in the eighteenth century.
The research, carried out in collaboration with the Interuniversity Research Center "Seminario di Storia della Scienza" and the Department of Earth and Geoenvironmental Sciences of the University of Bari, highlighted the experiments conducted by the prince, including the creation of a precious artificial blue pigment.
The results of the study will soon be published in an article in the scientific journal Nuncius. Journal of the Material and Visual History of Science. The research was presented at the Museo Cappella Sansevero, highlighting Raimondo di Sangro’s innovations in the production of artificial stones and in the coloring of glass.
Among his experiments, the prince is known for creating vivid and long-lasting pigments also used in the decoration of the Sansevero Chapel. One of his greatest discoveries was the creation of an artificial ultramarine blue used in sacred art.
This multidisciplinary study confirmed that Raimondo di Sangro was able to produce this precious pigment before other renowned chemists. In addition, during the research, interesting uses of materials such as fluorite in sculptural works present in the museum emerged. This research work reveals the importance and brilliance of Raimondo di Sangro's inventions in the eighteenth century, opening new perspectives for further studies in the field of the history of science and mineralogy.
Article published on March 5, 2024 - 18pm
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