The byzantine fresco of Dormitio Virginis (12th century): Diagnosis and intervention

This paper focuses on the microscopic and mineralogical characterization of the materials of a precious medieval frescopainting, a byzantine “DormitioVirginis” in Sicily, discovered during a restoration work in a monastery located in the South ofItaly. An exhaustive description of the original constituentshas been obtained, enriching the knowledge on historical materialsand techniques. Several techniques are used, such us optical and electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence and X-raydiffraction, especially when the damage processes are the main concern. The experimental investigation, carried out onpigments and on binder, has allowed a better understanding of the original materials as well as of the remote techniquesused to realize the artwork and of their state of conservation. The paintings are realized either by a fresco and lime coat andthe analyses reveal the use of a simple color palette, based on natural earth, typical of the Byzantine pictorial tradition.