The project focused on the complex wall paintings dating from the 12th to the 17th century, which were studied in detail on site. Between 2023 and 2025, six analytical campaigns took place in the chapel. The investigations were carried out by Dr. Clarimma Sessa (head of the insiTUMlab), Dr. Eva Mariasole Angelin (postdoctoral researcher), and Simon Mindermann (doctoral candidate) on the scientific side, as well as Nadia Thalguter, a wall painting conservator-restorer. Her expertise was crucial for interpreting the findings and situating the technological data within an art-historical context.
The chapel’s decoration comprises four distinct painting phases: from the mid-12th century, the early 15th century, the late 15th century, and the second half of the 17th century. Because a restoration intervention was begun but never completed, all four phases are visible at the same time today – an extraordinary situation that offers unique insights as well as methodological challenges.
For the analyses, high-resolution imaging techniques such as macro X-ray fluorescence and hyperspectral imaging (400–2500 nm) were used, complemented by point-based methods including Raman and FTIR spectroscopy. This made it possible to investigate both inorganic and organic materials with great precision.
The project in the Magdalen Chapel exemplifies the increasing importance of interdisciplinary cooperation in conservation science. Here, scientific methods and conservation-restoration practice are closely intertwined to document, understand, and sustainably preserve cultural heritage. The combination of analytical techniques with conservation-restoration findings enabled a differentiated investigation of the multi-layered paintings and provides a valuable foundation for future art-historical and conservation-restoration research.
Those interested will have the opportunity to learn more about the project at the final colloquium on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. in the Runtingersaal in Regensburg. In addition, the research will be presented on Sunday, September 14, 2025, with guided tours in the Magdalen Chapel as part of the European Heritage Day (starting at 1:00 and 2:00 p.m.). Registration is open until August 31, 2025.