Abstract
A decorated and carved wooden door of the late Byzantine period (14th Century), which belongs to the Dionysiou Monastery in Mount Athos, Greece, constitutes an important relic of valuable technological information due to its construction technology and history. Seventeen (17) samples detached from the door are studied using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), and micro-Raman and FTIR spectroscopy. The following materials are identified in the cross sections of the door samples using micro-Raman spectroscopy: orpiment, lead white, red lead, red ochre, cinnabar, carbon black, gypsum, anhydrite, and calcite, and an organic colourant of the indigoid family. SEM-EDX studies supported to the aforementioned Raman results. Interestingly, a combination of inorganic and organic colourants was detected. The main goals of this particular study were to: (a) reveal the colour palette and materials, (b) identify the type of varnish and its condition, and (c) contribute to future restoration processes and aid conservators in selecting compatible restoration materials.
Highlights
A decorated wood-carved door, in functional condition, located in the Church of Dionysiou Monastery of Mount Athos, has received attention due to its historical importance
The goals of the investigation were achieved using the following methods: (i) microRaman and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-EDX were employed to identify the pigments; (ii) FTIR was used to study the organic materials of the varnish layer; (iii) and optical microscopy was applied to investigate sample stratigraphies
Raman Results Cross section analyses of samples D3 and D11 revealed the presence of red grains that man CCspooellooctuurrroaasnncttossp~caayo4nnn8add0srieggastneesodssufssm5oom5m0gginrrcaioomuruumi−znne1(dd,dPwbmmi3hnOaaicttT4hee)ar,rabiiaaralceellcssoa2tiri.tddrAeieinbnnsguttstiitieffogiideentddhtmoeiietncnhnhecctasrrsooatorcsseftssteRcrsshiaeesicmctnittgciiaoopvnnnriebsspdreuuaoatssmikiionnisnnggsdanommefttieiRtcchcarrteoomeP--daRRbni–aanOb-- abnodnsdast tmheanspsepcetcrtaroasrceodpeoysfctahrrieebPesbduOmn6emoxctat.raihzeeddrainthTataabrleef2o.rmAesdsiaglnonmgetnhtesmoafiRn asymmamn eptreyakaxsisdoeftethcteesdtruincture [9]. the spectra are deFsucrrthibeermd onreex, tth. ree low-energy weak modes at ~232, 314 and 391 cm−1 were recorded in
Summary
A decorated wood-carved door, in functional condition, located in the Church of Dionysiou Monastery of Mount Athos, has received attention due to its historical importance. According to sources [1], the door dates back to the 14th century, corresponding to the first period of the history of the Dionysiou Monastery. The goal of the present report was to document and qualitatively analyse the materials used for the decoration of this door by applying microscopy and elemental and molecular analytical techniques, and to assess their current condition as a result of past historical events. For this reason, seventeen (17) samples (sampling spots shown in Figure 1) were sampled and investigated. Attention was focused on the pigments, the varnish coating condition, and the related stratigraphy that could reveal more possible interventions or repairing/retouching actions
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