Stage 1 (Vuzenica, church of St Nicholas)

Technical analysis

Pigments: white lime, yellow earth, red earth, cinnabar (?), azurite (?), organic black

Analytical techniques: no samples taken

Due to the inaccessibility of the fragment and a large number of retouches, no samples have been taken for now. Visually, it is possible to tell that the plaster consists of lime and sand. Where the colour layers have fallen away, its greyish colour can be observed.

The yellow, red, blue, and black colours have been preserved. In the absence of any chemical analyses, we can only assume that yellow and red earth as well as azurite were used, while the black colour is most likely of organic origin. A vivid red colour, perhaps cinnabar, was used for the curved top of the crosier and the angel’s mouth. The painter certainly used white lime as well. The primary binder is definitely lime from the plaster, but the use of some organic binder for modelling and the final details cannot be ruled out.

Without samples, it is difficult to identify the technique. Although only fragments have been preserved, the colours still adhere well to the surface, suggesting the al fresco technique. However, it is certain that at least the final details were painted on a base that was already dry. It is unclear whether the lime technique was also used.

As the mural is fragmentary and heavily retouched (fig. 1), it is difficult to discern the painting process. It is possible that incisions were used for the curved top of the crosier, the crown held by the two angels, and perhaps also for the angels’ wings, though we cannot say for sure, as they are almost imperceptible. The use of incisions can also be expected for the bordure and the triangular decorative elements in its central band. The underdrawing was outlined in yellow-orange colour. A small part of a yellow line shows from under the colour layer used for the carnation of the left angel’s right hand (fig. 1), and a similar drawing can also be seen on the collar of the right angel. The colours for the faces, draperies, and background are applied locally, and there may be a grey underpainting under the blue. The colour modelling, if any, has not survived: all that remains are flat colour surfaces. The modelling of the faces has been heavily restored, although the lines generally follow the original. The angels’ eyebrows are semicircular and placed high above the eyes. The eyes are large, semicircular on top, flat on the bottom, and featuring large black irises. A potato-shaped nose with a prominent nostril continues from the inner eyebrow. The mouth is fleshy, heart-shaped, and vivid red, while a line separates the lips in the middle. The lower lip is also emphasised with a line, and the left angel has two semicircular wrinkles at the corners of his mouth. The neck is stocky and the hands clumsy and too large compared to the head. The painter drew the final contour in a broad black line, which he also used to outline the face.

Gallery

Virtual 360° view

Vuzenica, Parish church of St Nicholas, Stage 1 (Vuzenica, church of St Nicholas), 2024 (last updated 29. 8. 2024). Corpus picturarum muralium medii aevi, https://corpuspicturarum.zrc-sazu.si/en/poslikava/phase-1-church-of-st-nicholas-vuzenica/ (20. 9. 2026).

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