1. Early medieval glass smoothers as a manifestation of the spread of Christianity in Mainland Europe.
- Author
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Ježek, Martin and Zavřel, Jan
- Subjects
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PRECIOUS metals , *COPPER , *MURAL art , *GLASS , *TIN , *BRASS - Abstract
The article "Early Medieval Glass Smoothers as an Expression of the Spread of Christianity in Europe" examines the function of medieval hemispherical glass artifacts known as glass smoothers. The authors present new research findings that indicate that glass smoothers were primarily used for gilding wall paintings. The geographical distribution of glass smoothers is highest in Northern France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. It is noted that there are nearly a hundred graves containing glass smoothers, mainly found in Northern France and Belgium. The authors have analyzed various glass smoothers from the Czech Republic, dating from different periods. The study investigates early medieval glass grinders as an expression of the spread of Christianity. The chemical composition of the glass consists mainly of silicon, with low concentrations of calcium, sodium, and aluminum oxides. Anomalies of precious metals such as gold, silver, tin, copper, and brass were found on the surfaces of the artifacts. The authors analyze various glass artifacts from the 9th century and conclude that the most likely use of glass smoothers is in jewelry production. [Extracted from the article]
- Published
- 2022
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