Technical Characteristics of Church Wall Paintings in the Balkans

Abstract

AbstractThis paper deals with a technical study of medieval wall paintings in churches located in the Balkans, focusing on Sopoćani monastery, an eminent example in present-day Serbia. By analyzing their painting materials and techniques, the paper aims to clarify the technical and cultural characteristics that defined Balkan wall painting practices in the medieval period.The naos of the Sopoćani, the largest space in the church, belongs to the oldest construction and is one of the best-preserved parts of the interior. The practical devices used by painters in the medieval period in the creation of wall paintings are discussed through comparison of findings shown in this paper with other related examples in Serbia, Kosovo and Romania. The research was achieved by two different methods: optical documentation with architectural recording using 3D scanning system; and analytical research of the materials and technical approaches used in extensive gold leaf decoration. The survey by 3D scanning revealed (1) the quality of the original construction which is different from that of the later extended structure, and (2) the unique devices used by medieval painters to compensate for viewing the murals at distance, which suggests some comparison with oriental wall paintings, too.The investigation of the gold leaf decoration disclosed the existence of a red mordant layer under the gold leaf. Findings of the survey indicate that painters modulated the gold leaf decorations by varying the colour of the mordant layer, which included compositional adjustments and use of different pigment combinations. Material analysis also revealed the possibility of silver chloride being used as a painting material in medieval Serbia.KeywordsWall paintingBalkanChurchMedievalPainting technique