Characterization of a two field icon of Virgin Mary “Eleousa” (19th century)

The aim of this study is the characterization of a portable icon of Virgin Mary “Eleousa”, from the village of Kleidi, Northern Greece. The icon is dated in the second half of 19th century, and its stylistic features typify it as a representative example of post-Byzantine folk ecclesiastical art of Northern Greece. Micro-samples of the painting and ground layers were analyzed by means of microscopic and spectroscopic methods (optical microscopy, μ-FTIR, μ-Raman and SEM-EDS). The combination of the applied characterization methods permitted the detailed examination of the stratigraphy and the materials of the icon. The identified pigments are minium, hematite (red ochre), Prussian blue and carbon black. Egg tempera was the applied technique and the gilding was made with golden leaves applied using the water gilding technique (bole). This study belongs to a project which aims to the documentation of the materials and techniques of late post-Byzantine Northern and Central Greek artistic guilds.