Investigation of the technique and materials used for mordant gilding on byzantine and post-byzantine icons and wall paintings

Katsibiri, Olga (2003) Investigation of the technique and materials used for mordant gilding on byzantine and post-byzantine icons and wall paintings. Doctoral thesis, Northumbria University.

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Abstract

The present study provides an account of the technique of mordant gilding and the materials used for the preparation of oil-mordants in Byzantine icon and mural painting. Firstly, a brief history of Byzantium and of Byzantine art as developed from the foundation of the Empire in 330 A.D. to the present day is presented. The religious and symbolic character of Byzantine iconography and the history and technology of icons and wall paintings are then outlined. The techniques of water and mordant gilding as applied to both the Western and the Byzantine panel and mural painting are also explained, including a literature review of the documentary sources and the published works on oil-mordants used for gilding on panels and murals. A brief introduction on the nature of drying oils, the mechanisms of drying and ageing and the effects of heat bodying and dryers on their properties is also presented. Finally, the results of experiments conducted on linseed oil for the purpose of this study and the analysis carried out on samples taken from original paintings to confirm the use of oil-mordants in Byzantine painting are discussed.

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