Étude scientifique des peintures murales de Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe

A groundbreaking analysis of the murals at Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe Abbey reveals that the paintings were executed using two distinct techniques: true fresco in the first three bays and dry painting on a lime wash in the subsequent bays. This discovery was made possible through scientific examination of samples from the nave's vault, conducted by the Laboratoire de Recherche des Monuments Historiques in collaboration with restorers and art historians. The study identified calcite grains, likely sourced from metamorphic rock resembling marble, as a unique marker distinguishing original paintings from later repaints. This finding sheds new light on the abbey's artistic techniques and conservation history.

Hugon, P., & Martos, D. (2013). Étude scientifique des peintures murales de Saint-Savin-sur-Gartempe. In Situ, 22. https://doi.org/10.4000/insitu.10632