From Structure to Substance: Digitally Documenting and Analyzing Late 18th and Early 19th - Century Ecclesiastical Art and Materials
摘要
The templon (iconostasis) of the Church of "Kimiseos tis Theotokou", dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary located on the island of Aitoliko in central Greece, represents an invaluable piece of mid-19th century ecclesiastical heritage. The historic templon not only signifies the establishment of the manmade island but also serves as a cultural and spiritual land-mark for the local community. Despite the church being destroyed and rebuilt twice, the templon has endured as a central element, retaining its place in the church and the hearts of residents in the wider area. This project integrates state-of-the-art digital imaging and non-invasive analytical techniques to document, analyze, and conserve this significant cultural artifact. Comprised of 66 icons in total, the templon includes icons distributed across its six panels on each of the left and right wings, along with the icons on the central panel of various sizes. The iconography is organized into tiers, following the traditional Orthodox structure, and features central icons of Christ Pantocrator and Theotokos flanking the Royal Doors, as well as scenes from the Twelve Great Feasts, rows of Apostles, Prophets, and various saints. This study focuses on the icon of Theotokos (Virgin Mary with Christ Child), located to the left of the Royal Doors, which is adorned with a silver cover (riza) that serves both to protect the painted surface and to enhance the sanctity of the depiction. Digital imaging processes, including high-resolution photogrammetry and laser scanning, were employed to produce a detailed, three-dimensional model of the templon and its architectural and artistic elements. The produced model preserves the structural details in a digital format and can act as a foundational tool for virtual restoration, detailed analysis, and public dissemination. These techniques captured the geometry and texture of the structure with millimetric accuracy, ensuring that even the finest carved details and painted surfaces are documented for posterity. Complementing the digital documentation, non-invasive spectroscopic techniques such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Raman spectroscopy were applied to investigate the materials and meth-ods used in the iconography of the templon. In addition to material analysis, the project investi-gated the condition of the iconography to guide its restoration. By identifying overpainting, areas of degradation, and previous restoration attempts, the research ensured that conservation efforts adhered to best practices. Compatibility between restoration materials and original components was a critical focus, preserving the artifact's historical and aesthetic integrity.