Scientists discovered new frescoes during the restoration of the Savior-Transfiguration Church in Polotsk
The restoration of the wall paintings in the pearl of ancient architecture has been ongoing for 10 years. What other secrets does the ancient monastery hold?
The work is meticulous. Millimeter by millimeter, restorers with scalpels in hand clear the walls of the Savior Transfiguration Church of dust, dirt, putty, and oil paint. Over 800 square meters of unique frescoes have been uncovered, and just when no new discoveries were expected, two more images were found under the plaster.
Yuri Malinovskiy, Scientific Director of the Fresco Restoration at the Savior Transfiguration Church: "This is always an event, although our church has a phenomenal amount of preserved painting. This is painting from the first half of the 12th century, painting that is almost 900 years old. According to specialists, what we have in our church is not found even in Greece."
The uncovered frescoes depict John Chrysostom and a scene from the Bible. From the dome to the floor, there are only two themes – the life of monks and biblical stories. The Savior Transfiguration Church was painted during the time of Euphrosyne of Polotsk.
Only a very small part of the wall painting will remain undiscovered. For example, in one place, there was a large niche, entirely covered with frescoes, but approximately in the 17th century, the opening was bricked up to strengthen the building (see video –editorial note). A decision has not yet been made on whether to dismantle the wall now.
Scientists are also closely studying the architectural features of the church. In the attic, the 12th-century roof can be examined in detail. Here, under a layer of plaster, birch bark, used to make a gutter for collecting water, has even been preserved. Every brick is entered into a special map.
Evgeny Torshin, Senior Researcher at the Hermitage Museum: "This structure is among the most important monuments of Old Russian and, in general, Byzantine and medieval European architecture – in all its features and architectural forms. Of course, one should not forget about the painting and frescoes that have survived on the walls of this church."
Approximately four thousand
of graphic records – the figure is not final, but even such notes are valuable for scientists.Inna Kalechits, Associate Professor of the Faculty of History of the Belarusian State Pedagogical University: "These are all historical sources, no matter how brief the inscription. For example, the inscription A B C is a piece of the alphabet, but in reality, it is a record. Plus, we can judge what abbesses were like, unknown from any other sources – these are abbesses Anna, Catherine, Akulina."
Modern engineering solutions have been applied in the restoration of the shrine, the foundation of the building has been strengthened, waterproofing has saved the church from water in the basement, and special sensors monitor the condition of the ancient walls around the clock. The first conservation works are nearing completion.