Micro‐Raman and GC/MS analysis to characterize the wall painting technique of Dicho Zograph in churches from Republic of Macedonia

Abstract

Micro-Raman spectroscopy, pyrolysis/gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py/GC/MS) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (CG/MS) were applied for the characterization of pigments and binders used in the wall paintings ascribed to the works of the prominent 19 th century Macedonian iconographer, Dicho Zograph. Among numerous works attributed to him, wall paintings from three churches in the Western part of the Republic of Macedonia have been selected for pigment and binder analysis.A rich palette of pigments, both natural/mineral and synthetic ones, were identified by micro-Raman spectroscopy. Organic material analysis evidenced the use of mixtures of proteinaceous materials (mainly animal glue and egg) with linseed oil and pine resin, while saccharide materials were excluded.

Raman microspectroscopic analysis of pigments of the Gothic wall painting from the Dominican Monastery in Ptuj (Slovenia)

“…Raman microspectroscopy has proven to be successful in the determination of microorganisms that colonize the wall paintings which cause damage to the surface or changes in the aesthetic appearance . Other advantages of this technique are the relatively short measurement time, high spatial resolution and the small amounts of samples needed, so the technique can be considered micro‐destructive …”

“…[11] Other advantages of this technique are the relatively short measurement time, high spatial resolution and the small amounts of samples needed, so the technique can be considered micro-destructive. [12,13] The study is focused on the Raman microspectroscopic identification of the pigments, possible degradation products and the painting technique in which the newly discovered wall painting from the Dominican Monastery in Ptuj was made.…”

Characterization of Materials and Artistic Techniques on Two 17th‐Century Neapolitan Wood Sculptures

“…In the same pyrograms, dehydroabietic and 7‐oxo‐dehydroabietic acids were identified, suggesting that the original varnish was based on the plant resin colophony (Čukovska et al . ; see also Osete‐Cortina and Doménech‐Carbó ). The same chromatographic results were obtained for the original layers 3G and 2I, taken from San Gaetano and Immacolata Concezione , confirming the use of ‘ tempera grassa ’ as a binder and colophony as a varnish.…”

Analysis of the pigments for smoked mural by confocal micro‐Raman spectroscopy

“…The Raman bands of the white layer are at 711 and 1085 cm −1 are found in the paint layer of one fragment (Fig. b–c) which can be attributed to the calcite . So, it is believed that calcite has been used as the white color in this mural and is stable after longtime smoking.…”

“…1b-c) which can be attributed to the calcite. [24,25] So, it is believed that calcite has been used as the white color in this mural and is stable after longtime smoking. The Raman signals of the plaster only give a very high fluorescence background ( Fig.…”