Nondestructive Assessment of Hidden Information in a Post-byzantine Icon

This work investigates a post-byzantine icon originated from Zagori region in Ioannina, Greece. The purpose of this research is the implementation of complementary nondestructive techniques to evaluate the painting surface, as well as the wooden panel of the artwork. Multispectral imaging (MS) was performed to obtain useful information regarding the painting surface, i.e., St. John’s scroll, which was more comprehensive than the simple optical representation of the icon. Macro X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (MA-XRF) allowed the extraction of elemental maps, providing valuable information about the inorganic materials used by the painter. MA-XRF analysis revealed that gold leaf was applied to create the icon’s background and revealed the employment of various inorganic pigments such as lead, white and vermilion. Finally, Infrared Thermography (IRT) was employed to examine the icon’s wooden panel and uncover the presence of knobs, which caused mechanical stress among the wooden panel and the frame around the icon.