Studying wall paintings in Berati Castle (Albania): Comparative examination of materials and techniques in XIVth and XVIth century churches

摘要: Abstract In this paper the study is focused on continuation of Byzantine wall painting iconography in Albania through two characteristic churches 14th and 16th centuries situated Castle Berati. The town Berati has a long history that goes back to Bronze Age, old castle, top hill, always been nucleus still inhabited. Several within castle walls are decorated with beautiful paintings icons, examples post art architecture. techniques used analyze samples were optical microscopy, TXRF, micro-FTIR SEM-EDS. Similar materials construction both churches, marking technology paintings. presence calcium carbonate reveals use fresco technique. Colors rendered by application calcite, azurite, green earth, cinnabar, ochres carbon black. Plaster was composed all cases mainly calcite small amounts silicates organic fibers while there differences between plaster church century gypsum, originating its painter as constituent element. All painted suffered from deterioration, identified even visually.