06-23-2013, 02:47 PM
To respond to Dan's comment, I have tinned some items using what presumably would have been Roman.......melting the tin on a surface and wiping. I have even tried modern electroplating. Irrespective of the method, the tin turns first dark brown and then black like charcoal. However, the tarnishing is not easy and takes a long time.
Secondly, armor could have been left forge blackened from the interior because it would protect it from sweat or any other moisture.
With respect to painted armor, anything is possible with the Romans. Every time you turn around they put elements together you would not think likely. However, I must agree that if you are going to recreate or discuss armor AND based on the current evidence there is none for painted Roman armor. Its possible but many things are possible BUT because something is possible does not mean it existed.
It was stated that there is some evidence for painted musculata? Where? Just because artwork had to be painted to represent musculata does not mean the real thing would have been painted. Even if a statue, like that proposed of the Prima Porta where the musculata literally has red paint on it, does not necessarily represent reality. In an open environment with light a statue with red and blue paint against a white background will show strongly relative to a statue painted in light gray to represent silver with yellow accents to represent gilding. Unless the statues are covered in metal, paint does not have a sheen or at least their paint mostly likely would have not.
Secondly, armor could have been left forge blackened from the interior because it would protect it from sweat or any other moisture.
With respect to painted armor, anything is possible with the Romans. Every time you turn around they put elements together you would not think likely. However, I must agree that if you are going to recreate or discuss armor AND based on the current evidence there is none for painted Roman armor. Its possible but many things are possible BUT because something is possible does not mean it existed.
It was stated that there is some evidence for painted musculata? Where? Just because artwork had to be painted to represent musculata does not mean the real thing would have been painted. Even if a statue, like that proposed of the Prima Porta where the musculata literally has red paint on it, does not necessarily represent reality. In an open environment with light a statue with red and blue paint against a white background will show strongly relative to a statue painted in light gray to represent silver with yellow accents to represent gilding. Unless the statues are covered in metal, paint does not have a sheen or at least their paint mostly likely would have not.
"You have to laugh at life or else what are you going to laugh at?" (Joseph Rosen)
Paolo
Paolo
