Old icons

In Transylvania, glass icon is, by excellence, the art of peasants’ artists. The painting of icons on glass has used the following types of materials: glass as support, pigments and dyes, organic binders, other additives, gold leaf and several species of wood for frames and for the back of icon. In the practice of Transylvanian art of glass icon the iconographic model have a Byzantine origin. The gilding technique using gold leafs is common for all glass-paintings workshops of Transylvania and cannot be found in other parts of the Central European glass paintings. Preparation of color and the application of local tones were made by the more experienced members of the family, and the most skilled made the drawings, writing and application of bright spots. Retouching and application of the gold leaf were made only by the head of the workshop. Our research focuses on the binders used in applying gold and silver leaf for either the icon‘s background, the halos, the golden thrones, the o...

Evolon$$^\circledR$$ ® CR is increasingly used in paintings conservation for varnish removal from oil paintings. Its key benefits over traditional cotton swabs are limiting solvent exposure and reducing mechanical action on the paint surface. However, this non-woven microfilament textile was not originally engineered for conservation use and little is known about its chemical stability towards organic solvents. Moreover, the physical processes of solvent loading and release by Evolon$$^\circledR$$ ® CR, as well as solvent retention inside paint after cleaning, have not been studied. These three topics were investigated using a multi-analytical approach, aiming for an improved understanding and optimized use of Evolon$$^\circledR$$ ® CR for varnish removal. Our results show that the tissue is generally chemically and physically stable to organic solvents when exposed on timescales that are typical in conservation practice. However, a pre-treatment step of Evolon$$^\circledR$$ ® CR is...

In the current context of climate and environmental changes, knowledge on the degradation and deterioration of the geomaterials mechanisms existing in the structure of both buildings and historical monuments becomes a priority due to the influence of atmospheric pollutants on apparent lithic surfaces. The aim of the paper is to highlight the impact of pollution on the surface structures of some porous carbonate rocks, where a series of radionuclides and heavy metals have been identified. Taking into account that these rocks are considered as commonly used local building material, being utilized also for the construction of the medieval and pre-modern historical monuments from the city of Iasi, the study draws attention to the detailed assessment of their conservation status from the built heritage in relation to the surrounding environment.

The objective of this work was the modification of the pigment Yellow 17 structure through a treatment with ZnCl2 and Na2SiO3 in order to improve its properties. The modifications that appear in pigment structure were revealed by UV-visible diffuse reflectance and EDX analysis. The synthesized pigments were used to colour the polypropylene. The chromatic modifications appeared through pigment colouring with modified pigments were evaluated by measuring the colour intensity and colour difference. The light fastness and UV protection of the coloured polypropylene samples were also highlighted.

Evolon$$^\circledR$$ ® CR is increasingly used in paintings conservation for varnish removal from oil paintings. Its key benefits over traditional cotton swabs are limiting solvent exposure and reducing mechanical action on the paint surface. However, this non-woven microfilament textile was not originally engineered for conservation use and little is known about its chemical stability towards organic solvents. Moreover, the physical processes of solvent loading and release by Evolon$$^\circledR$$ ® CR, as well as solvent retention inside paint after cleaning, have not been studied. These three topics were investigated using a multi-analytical approach, aiming for an improved understanding and optimized use of Evolon$$^\circledR$$ ® CR for varnish removal. Our results show that the tissue is generally chemically and physically stable to organic solvents when exposed on timescales that are typical in conservation practice. However, a pre-treatment step of Evolon$$^\circledR$$ ® CR is...

The paper presents the results obtained in the study of new archaeometric and chemometric characteristics involved in the authentication of old artefacts made of metal, ceramics and polychrome wood, by the Iasi school of Conservation Science of cultural heritage goods. Most of the metal and ceramic artefacts considered for this study originate from archaeological sites from the region of Moldavia and Dobrudja, and those of polychrome wood from state or private collections and monastic establishments. The data obtained, using modern experimental methods and techniques, has allowed us to set the fundaments of phenomenological aspects related to the conception/execution, acquired patina, evolutive effects of deterioration and degradation, historical contexts, etc. These discoveries have been acknowledged as interdisciplinary effects, as evidenced by the citations listed in scientometric databases.

In the current context of climate and environmental changes, knowledge on the degradation and deterioration of the geomaterials mechanisms existing in the structure of both buildings and historical monuments becomes a priority due to the influence of atmospheric pollutants on apparent lithic surfaces. The aim of the paper is to highlight the impact of pollution on the surface structures of some porous carbonate rocks, where a series of radionuclides and heavy metals have been identified. Taking into account that these rocks are considered as commonly used local building material, being utilized also for the construction of the medieval and pre-modern historical monuments from the city of Iasi, the study draws attention to the detailed assessment of their conservation status from the built heritage in relation to the surrounding environment.

Exposure to an oxygen atmosphere containing less than 0.1% is known to cause 100% mortality of the most commonly found museum pests in a few days. This paper will describe a dynamic system in which a continuous flow of nitrogen can be used to maintain a low oxygen concentration inside a sealed bag for insect anoxia with large museum objects.

Evolon$$^\circledR$$ ® CR is increasingly used in paintings conservation for varnish removal from oil paintings. Its key benefits over traditional cotton swabs are limiting solvent exposure and reducing mechanical action on the paint surface. However, this non-woven microfilament textile was not originally engineered for conservation use and little is known about its chemical stability towards organic solvents. Moreover, the physical processes of solvent loading and release by Evolon$$^\circledR$$ ® CR, as well as solvent retention inside paint after cleaning, have not been studied. These three topics were investigated using a multi-analytical approach, aiming for an improved understanding and optimized use of Evolon$$^\circledR$$ ® CR for varnish removal. Our results show that the tissue is generally chemically and physically stable to organic solvents when exposed on timescales that are typical in conservation practice. However, a pre-treatment step of Evolon$$^\circledR$$ ® CR is...

The present paper aims to present the different forms of vandalism resulted from the human activities and manifestations that harm the environment and/or put in danger the cultural heritage assets. For this purpose, we selected a number of relevant cases in the field in order to identify the real reasons behind these actions that have often mutilated the artifacts. The results revealed that anthropic factors are just as dangerous as the natural factors for the cultural heritage, and that there are many different manifestations, controllable or uncontrollable, based on intention, imprudence or omission.

http://www.revistadechimie.ro 1739 The wooden church under the patronage of the Archangels St. Michael and Gabriel in Sînmihaiu-Almasului, Salaj County (fig. 1), was built in the Eighteen century, probably not long before being painted. The interior painting was carried out by the painter as shown by the inscription on the right side of the iconostasis ... priest Andrei Toma, painted by Pop Ioan, 1794, January 20 [1]. Based on an older reading of the votive inscription on the left side of the iconostasis (fig. 2), the year 1778 is mentioned as the edification date of the church [2]. The entire structure is constructed from oak, with the large slopes of the roof, which descends steeply toward the altar, having a tower with an open pavilion on sculpted arches at the entrance. The porch is placed on three sides, the north, the south and the west, respecting the sculpted decoration of the pavilion. The painting was made, according to the votive inscription in the year 1794 by the itiner...

The present paper is the first instalment of a series focused on establishing some archaeometric characteristics of the modern finishings (mortars, fresco and layers of whitewash) of the Church of the Holy Archangels from Cic�u, Alba County, Romania, in order to assess the shape, with the structural-functional integrity and architectural and artistic aspect of the monument for the last historical context, between 1710 and 1790. This period is the most extensive and less known of the church�s stages of transformation: 11th�12th century (unknown), 15th century (known) and 18th century (partially known), which was very tumultuous from the socio-economic and political point of view. Thus, in the following pages we present the resulting archaeometric characteristics of optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopes in combination with energy-dispersive X-Ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX) and thermal derivatography (TG/DTA/DTG) analyses of two pigments from the exonarthex fresco (made in...

The paper presents the results obtained in the study of new archaeometric and chemometric characteristics involved in the authentication of old artefacts made of metal, ceramics and polychrome wood, by the Iasi school of Conservation Science of cultural heritage goods. Most of the metal and ceramic artefacts considered for this study originate from archaeological sites from the region of Moldavia and Dobrudja, and those of polychrome wood from state or private collections and monastic establishments. The data obtained, using modern experimental methods and techniques, has allowed us to set the fundaments of phenomenological aspects related to the conception/execution, acquired patina, evolutive effects of deterioration and degradation, historical contexts, etc. These discoveries have been acknowledged as interdisciplinary effects, as evidenced by the citations listed in scientometric databases.

The present paper is the first instalment of a series focused on establishing some archaeometric characteristics of the modern finishings (mortars, fresco and layers of whitewash) of the Church of the Holy Archangels from Cic�u, Alba County, Romania, in order to assess the shape, with the structural-functional integrity and architectural and artistic aspect of the monument for the last historical context, between 1710 and 1790. This period is the most extensive and less known of the church�s stages of transformation: 11th�12th century (unknown), 15th century (known) and 18th century (partially known), which was very tumultuous from the socio-economic and political point of view. Thus, in the following pages we present the resulting archaeometric characteristics of optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopes in combination with energy-dispersive X-Ray spectrometry (SEM-EDX) and thermal derivatography (TG/DTA/DTG) analyses of two pigments from the exonarthex fresco (made in...

Adherent deposits are very aggressive towards ancient heritage paintings since they affect the varnish and the painting's layers, sometimes reaching the preparative layers. The biggest problem to the restorer is their removal without affecting the patina, the transparent varnish (well preserved) and fine colour glazes made during painting. Therefore, their removal requires preliminary cleaning tests that allow the optimization of the cleaning system composition that is going to be used. The study was focused on organic natural systems, as colourless supernatants, some of them used during ages, but insufficiently studied. The paper presents an evaluation of the effectiveness of cleaning varnished icons of the nineteenth century, with complex conservation cases using supernatants derived from aqueous dispersions extracted from vegetables and dry indigenous herbal infusions. Best results, after six consecutive cleaning steps, on tempera old icon was obtained for a mixture made of mature white onion juice + extract of Soapwort flowers + corn silk tea + acacia tea. As a best result after just one cleaning step was obtained for a quaternary mixture composed from mature white onion juice + mature carrot juice + corn silk tea + aqueous extract of Soapwort flowers.

This paper presents the study regarding the impact of the treatment with Câmpeni red petroleum on an XVIII-th Century icon made of wood, with the aim of active preservation and restoration. In accomplishing this endeavour, there were applied non-invasive techniques of analysis based on optical microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), micro-FTIR and colorimetry CIEL*a*b*. A series of chemical, physical-structural and mechanical characteristics of the wood were traced, in order to assess the degree of preservation enhancement as a result of the applied treatment.

Old icons, especially those involved in liturgical rituals are affected in time by external agents factors (temperature, humidity, light, pollution, microbiological attack, abrasion etc.), resulting changes of the appearance and of the structural integrity, dirt deposits, altered varnish and painting layer, cracks, material loss etc. In order to remove the dirt deposits, there are used cleaning systems with dry wiping, vacuuming, scraping, washing with organic solvents, ion exchange solutions, polyelectrolyte, surfactants, and so on, by enzymatic systems or by laser pyrolysis. The last two processes being considered aggressive and highly invasive, although they do clean very well adherent
dirt deposits, which strongly degraded the varnish to total blackening (the iconographic image cannot be seen). Based on the literature in the field, regarding the nature of the materials used during the painting process and of the types and structures of the deposits, a series of alcoholic solutions of different concentrations were made, as such or basified, which were compared with ecologic synergic systems based on organic uncolored vegetable juices and decoctions from dried plants. The cleaning effectiveness was done by visual analysis and CIE L*a*b* reflection colorimetry, space proposed by the CIE (International Commission on Illumination) in 1976, was used. This technique permitting to determine by color deviations the critical point where the patina and polychromes layer.

This study presents the data regarding the stoping of a xylophagous attack on the panel of „Lady from Rohia”
icon, part of the cultural heritage of „Saint Mihail and Gavriil„ church from Galati, by modifying the level of oxygen in the cryptoclimat. The study presents the stages and the operating systems used in stopping the
xylophagous atac by lowering the value of the oxygen inside the cryptoclimat below 0,1% for a period of 14
days. The icon and the measuring devices were sealed in a polyethylene bag from which the air was completely removed and replaced with nitrogen. The cryptoclimatic factors of the nitrogen atmosphere were then monitored for a period of 14 days.