Differences and similarities in the materials and techniques of medieval mural painting in the coastal region of Slovenia

Abstract

The mural paintings of the coastal area of Slovenia are of a unique style due to various stylistic tendencies that met there during the Middle Ages. Until now they have been studied only from the art-historical point of view. The pres- ent research is the first analytical approach to these mon- uments. The purpose was to find out if (i) these paintings are diverse also in their technique and material, and (ii) if the real a fresco technique is typical of those paintings influenced by Italian tradition, while the lime technique of the central-European influenced murals. To answer these questions, several mural cycles were chosen: Zanigrad (1400-1410), Pomjan (1410-1420), Nozno (1/2 15C), Volarje (2/4 15C), Vremski Britof (1445-1450) and Famlje (1450- 1460). All murals were studied in situ and micro-samples of mortars and pigments were analysed in powdered form or as cross-sections using different instrumental techniques: OM, SEM-EDS, FTIR and XRD. The composition of mortars is predominantly lime and sand. The pigments applied are mostly of inorganic origin. The painting techniques are dif- ferent combinations of a fresco, a secco and lime tech- nique. Geographically closer paintings are technically sim- ilar. The local tradition was stronger than foreign influ- ence