Download: Mosaics of Hagia Sophia, Istanbul - Dumbarton Oaks

estoration is evident in vast areas of the vaults and walls in
the narthex (Figs. 8-10), naos, dome, and galleries (Figs. 11-
14; also see Figs. 22, 23). The Fossatis had strengthened the
mosaics with iron cramps before recovering them with plaster.
During the course of the work of the Byzantine Institute, the
conservators removed sections of the Fossati plaster repairs
and paint covering the original mosaics. In many cases, for
instance in that of the Deesis panel (see Fig. 58), original
mosaics were not found under some sections of the nineteenth-century
repairs, so the Fossati plaster and paint were
left in situ. In those instances in which it was not possible to
preserve deteriorating Fossati plaster and paint, the areas were
photographed before the material was removed.
The conservators of the Byzantine Institute who
consolidated and cleaned the original mosaics were critical of
some of the Fossati methods of conservation. An examination
of Fossati plaster samples shows that it consists only of two
layers, instead of three layers as found in the bedding of the
10
4
Inner narthex, mosaic panel in
the lunette above the royal doors
The Fossatis painted this
Justinianic eight-point star
over a whitewashed mosaic
panel depicting an emperor
kneeling before Christ
enthroned. See Figures 64
and 65. (photo: P. Iskender,
Byzantine Institute, 1932)