Pre-Restoration Studies of an Ascetic Collection of XV–XVI Centuries

Abstract

The article describes the results of a comprehensive pre-restoration study of an ascetic collection of the XV–XVI centuries (F.172 No. 3112 OR RSL) which was done to obtain an information about what impact does the nature and composition of ink have on the base paper of a manuscript. The collection contains the works of Vasiliy the Great, John Chrysostom, Cyril of Alexandria, Anastasius Sinait, Nikon of Montenegro, Simeon the New Theologian, etc. The text of the collection is written in dark ink of iron-gall nature on a number of sheets in the central part of which there is «lacy» fallout of the text. Damages of this kind are usually associated with the composition of iron-gall ink and inadequate storage conditions. Nevertheless, examination of the funds claims that so-called «corrosion» from iron-gall ink is only observed in part of the manuscripts. Some written monuments are badly damaged and their folia almost crumbled, while others are in excellent condition after centuries of their creation. The example of this collection shows that the nature and degree of the destruction depends not only on the composition of iron-gall ink and storage conditions. Even using the same ink composition, their degree of preservation can be different, since the nature and degree of damage depends on the nature and writing manner that affects a local concentration of ink components. It is also necessary to consider the composition and thickness of the support paper which also affects the ongoing processes.