Kadikova Irina F. — The State Research Institute for Restoration, Head of the Laboratory of Physicochemical Research
E-mail: kadikovaif@gosniir.ru

This study conducts a technological analysis of the art materials used in the wall paintings of the altar area of the Church of the Savior on the Threshold (1675) at the Rostov Metropolitan’s House. In the course of the work, 130 paint layer samples taken from various narrative compositions, ornaments, and individual images of saints were examined. The application of a complex of modern physicochemical methods, including optical polarized light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), and FTIR microspectroscopy, allowed not only for the identification of the material composition, but also for a detailed study of the paint layer stratigraphy, revealing both historical overpainting from the second half of the 19th century and restoration materials from the late 20th century. The analysis established that the core of the original 1675 palette consisted of a pigment set traditional for this period: lime white, artificial azurite, smalt, glauconite, vermilion, and ochres of various colors. In turn, the overpainting layers of 1863 and 1893 were found to contain lead white, artificial ultramarine, Prussian blue, cobalt blue, chrome yellow, alizarin (PR 83), red lead, and verdigris, which is rare for this period. The data obtained enable the objective differentiation of chronological painting layers and provide a solid methodological framework for developing conservation programs for the unique ensemble of the Rostov Metropolitan’s House.

17th-century wall painting, art materials, artificial azurite, calcium oxalates, Church of the Savior on the Threshold, pigments, Rostov Kremlin, smalt, technological investigation, verdigris.