Стенописите в църквата „Покров Богородичен” при постницата „Св. Лука”. Актуално състояние и реставрационни проблеми
The Murals in the Church Intercession of the Theotokos at the Fasting House St Luke at the Rila Monastery. Present State and Restoration Problems

Summary/Abstract: Built in 1805 and painted in 1811, the church The Intercession of the Theotokos is the only wholly preserved monument by Toma Vishanov. Along with the stylistic character- istics of the author’s style, there is another novelty introduced by the author in Bulgarian painting, namely the use of oil binding in mural painting. The present state of the murals is quite bad in spite of the restorations that have been made during the past years. Following the restoration work that took place in the 1980s the murals in the narthex are in relatively stable condition. This could not be said about the murals in the naos where during the 1930s irreparable damage has been impaired on the wall decorations. The incompetent restoration, atmospheric conditions as well as problems with the roof construction are only some of the reasons for the present state of the murals. Numerous are the losses of the painted layer, some of the compositions are almost totally destroyed. The preserved works of art connected with the name of Toma vishanov are few. Complicated and complex are the problems connected with the mural decoration of the church The Intercession of the Theotokos. The climate as well as the awkward outside interventions is only some of the reasons for the present state of the murals. Any delay in taking adequate measures for the preservation would have disastrous effect on this unique monument of oil painting in Bulgaria.

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