Systematic study of wall painting of the twelfth century from the Christ’s Transfiguration Cathedral of the Mirozhsky Monastery in Pskov (Russia) by complementary physico-chemical methods

Abstract

Abstract The unique pre-Mongolian twelfth century wall painting from the Christ's Transfiguration Cathedral of the Mirozhsky Monastery in Pskov (Russia) have been investigated. A little less than 200 XRF spectra were collected in situ by portable spectrometer. Moreover 19 samples were subjected to additional in-depth laboratory analysis by six complimentary physico-chemical methods: neutron activation analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, micro-Raman spectroscopy, polished cross-sections, polarized microscopy, and chemical microanalysis. Pigments and plasters from the interior painting, fragments found during archaeological excavations, samples from exterior murals, and sample of salt efflorescence were analyzed. The samples included the author's twelfth century painting as well as late repaintings. The composition of pigments and the number of painting layers were determined. Conclusions about organic binder presence or absence, and the painting technique were drawn. The results obtained will be used for restoration and conservation works.

Keywords

• Old Russian pre-Mongolian wall painting
• Components of paintings (pigments, plasters, and binders)
• NAA
• XRF
• FTIR
• Micro-Raman spectroscopy