Abstract
In the present study, golden threads from two, apparently identical, medieval epitrachelions considered masterpieces of the Romanian Byzantine embroidery art, were investigated by using Micro-Particle Induced X-ray Emission (micro-PIXE) and optical microscopy. PIXE measurements allowed to accurate identify the elemental composition, distribution of the trace elements, the layered structures (depth profiling) and thicknesses of the gold layer. Useful information for the characterization of the gilded silver threads due to elemental maps concerning the constituent elements spatial distribution in the sample was also obtained.
Highlights
Romanian medieval liturgical embroidery worked in the Byzantine traditional technique represents one of the most remarkable artistic fields due to the refinement and expressivity of the drawn figures, execution and the luxurious materials used
Worn by priests as church vestments or used during the religious services, most of them were produced locally in the embroidery schools of the monasteries. These embroideries were worked in the traditional Byzantine technique of pattern couching, using the cartoon models painted on religious themes similar to those in the mural paintings dating from the 15th to 17th centuries
To our knowledge, no scientific investigation has been done in order to determine the real nature and micro-chemical structure of the precious metal threads used to adorn these very valuable and old embroideries
Summary
Romanian medieval liturgical embroidery worked in the Byzantine traditional technique represents one of the most remarkable artistic fields due to the refinement and expressivity of the drawn figures, execution and the luxurious materials used. Microscopic examinations of the metal threads from Moldavian epitrachelion showed that, considering their morphological characteristics, they are very different from each other, with the exception of samples A5 and A12 which look similar.
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