A Multi-Analytical Approach for the Characterization of Seventeenth Century Decorative Wall Paintings in Two Norwegian Stave Churches: A Case Study at Eidsborg and Heddal, Norway

Abstract

The presented research examines 17th century distemper paint from the polychrome wooden interiors of two Norwegian stave churches: Eidsborg and Heddal. For the first time, the inorganic and organic components of specimens from Eidsborg and Heddal were identified using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (ESEM)—Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier-Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA), and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) after derivatization. This multi-analytical approach allowed for the identification of red ochre as the main red pigment within the topcoat (with the possible addition of minium), confirmed that a chalk basecoat was used, and finally permitted the recognition of alteration phases. Markers of proteinaceous material attributed to the use of animal-based glues were detected throughout the stratigraphic layers of both churches, with the addition of linseed oil in some locations. Furthermore, the wood substrate showed markers characteristic of pine tree, with contamination of wood fractions being detected in some of the paint samples from Heddal and Eidsborg. This research has contributed to a better understanding of the current preservation state of Heddal and Eidsborg, and ultimately assisted in developing a deeper comprehension and awareness of materials used in Norwegian stave churches.

Microscale Physical and Mechanical Analyses of Distemper Paint: A Case Study of Eidsborg Stave Church, Norway

“…Distemper paint samples were obtained from polychrome wooden planks in Eidsborg stave church. On 27 September 2018, a sampling campaign was conducted alongside conservators from Norwegian Institute for Cultural Heritage Research (NIKU), who provided guidance in selecting sampling locations (Freeman et al 2021). The sampling concentrated on areas executed with a red topcoat, as red pigment was often used in decorative wall paintings found in Norwegian stave churches.…”

“…The sampling concentrated on areas executed with a red topcoat, as red pigment was often used in decorative wall paintings found in Norwegian stave churches. The collected samples originate from previously consolidated or untreated areas, with varying preservation states (Freeman et al 2021). Here, the presented analysis focused on a two-layer sample (i.e.…”

“…The microanalysis of a historic paint sample should begin with defining the main components within the stratigraphic layers. Previous chemical analysis (Freeman et al 2021) of the samples collected during the above-mentioned sampling campaign showed that the artist(s) mainly used a distemper technique (i.e. pigment bound in animal-based glue).…”

“…In the following sections, a systematic approach is presented for exploring the capacity of micro-and nano-sensitive methods in characterising seventeenth-century distemper paints from a Norwegian stave church. To date, a limited number of chemical studies have been performed on these materials (Olstad 2016;Olstad and Ørnhøi 2017;Freeman et al 2021;Lehne et al 2019), and consequently, the painting technique and artists' palette has mainly been elucidated through the combination of visual assessments (Wedvik 2009;Wedvik 2008;Solberg, Norsted, and Spaarschuh 2007) and literary sources (Olstad 2016;Olstad and Ørnhøi 2017;Olstad and Ørnhøi 2014;Olstad and Solberg 1998). Distemper paints applied to the wooden walls of stave churches are thinly painted, multi-layered, highly porous, and heterogeneous.…”

“…Distemper paints applied to the wooden walls of stave churches are thinly painted, multi-layered, highly porous, and heterogeneous. Additionally, aggregates and minerals of sand and clay, together with debris, can be found in the pictorial layer (Freeman et al 2021).…”