The sculptures of the west facade of the Cathedral of Notre Dame were once richly painted with layers of colored paint or polychrome and provide the most comprehensive evidence available from any Gothic building. These paints are made of natural materials, such as azurite and yellow ochre, that can be identified using scientific methods. Nearly 100 stratigraphic samples are currently being studied by chemists at the Laboratoire de recherche des monuments historiques in France. Our project uses this data.
Stratigraphic sample showing layers of lead white, yellow ochre, and azurite.