Infrared and Raman vibrational spectroscopies reveal the palette of frescos found in the Medieval Monastery of Karaach Teke

Abstract

Vibrational spectroscopy is applied on samples obtained from the excavation area of the medieval Monastery (10th century) of Karaach-Teke in Bulgaria. The results of the corresponding study, reveal the type of materials used for the creation of the wall-paintings and give evidence of Byzantine influence, a fact that further supports the well known impact of Byzantium on the technology and thematic-aesthetic features of iconography in Bulgaria during this era. In addition, the complementarity of FTIR and μ-Raman spectroscopies in the identification of pigments is indicated.