Comparative Study of the Painting Materials of a Series of Orthodox Icons on Wooden and Glass Support from Transylvania

In Romania and especially in Transylvania the process of creating icons implied the use of different supports, mainly wood and glass. Samples have been collected from various areas of these religious artefacts. The aim of this research is to apply a combination of FTIR spectroscopy and Mass Spectrometry techniques in order to identify and characterize the composition of the pigments, binders and varnishes used by Transylvanian icon's artisans. The information obtained through these procedures is part of the identification elements of the icons' period and school, and in the end it contributes to the technical expertise of these artefacts. Besides knowing the materials, the technology, the state of preservation and the patrimonial value of the artworks, the main goal is to better understand all the practical aspects of the active preservation and restoration procedures.