Conservation of frescoes in the refectory of the Megisti Lavra Monastery
The frescoes in the refectory of the Megisti Lavra monastery spread over a vast surface, as they occupy approximately 860 m2 with 389 themes, scenes and figures. The impressive variety of themes cover the walls from floor to ceiling and, in addition to the surfaces of the main hall of the refectory, they also cover the surface of two auxiliary quarters north and south of the eastern wing, as well as the facade of the building.
The high artistic value of the frescoes in the refectory, as well as the deterioration they had suffered over the years, underlined the need for conservation. The conservation of frescoes covering a surface of 538 m2 was carried out under the project “Conservation of Heirlooms on Mount Athos” which was included in the operational program of the 2007-2013 National Strategic Reference Framework, while the completion of conservation of the remaining 319 m2 surface area was included in the Operational Program of Central Macedonia NSRF 2014-2020 entitled “Conservation of monuments on Mount Athos. Frescoes in the Refectory of the Megisti Lavra Monastery”.
The state of preservation of frescoes was not satisfactory, as significant problems emerged in different areas. In order to fix the detached sections, the extent of which has been monitored with the use of thermal imaging and graphic documentation, injection grouting was deemed necessary, which would restore the adhesion between the detached layer and the underlying structure. The conservation of the paintings followed, which involved fixing, cleaning and partially removing paint layers. After cleaning the painted surface, it was possible to distinguish the parts of frescoes with later painted additions. The stage of aesthetic restoration was based on the principles of minimum intervention and reversibility, in order to ensure that the original painting remained intact, to the extent possible. All work was recorded as well as photographically and graphically documented.
Nikolaos Siomkos
Archaeologist
