In a Lviv church, the restoration of 18th-century frescoes with an "open sky" effect is underway: what makes them unique

Restorers are restoring the illusory mural of the SS. Archangel Michael Church of the UGCC, created in the 18th century by the Italian artist Giuseppe Pedretti.

У львівському храмі Святого Архистратига Михаїла УГКЦ відновлюють унікальні фрески

29 May, 13:33

A large-scale stage of restoration of the unique 18th-century mural is underway in the Lviv church of SS. Archangel Michael of the UGCC. The project is being implemented by the Polish institute POLONIKA in cooperation with the St. Michael Monastery of the Studite Rule.

"Your City" managed to observe the fresco restoration process right under the church vault – where the painting literally "transforms" the ceiling into an open sky.

Frescoes that create the illusion of the sky

Right under the dome, restorer Solomiia Bihanych is just finishing photographing the murals in ultraviolet light. It is this stage that allows us to see what is usually hidden from visitors.

"From below, this is not noticeable, but now we can observe various interventions by previous restorers where we didn't expect them," she explains. "And under the vault, we can see them up close and examine them in more detail using ultraviolet and other methods."

These are murals that create the optical illusion of an open sky – an effect that was realized in the 18th century by the Italian artist Giuseppe Pedretti along with his students.

From below, restorers say, this complex, multi-layered composition appears almost "light," but up close, it reveals completely different details.

"Look at the faces of the angels! With what incredible three-dimensional precision the draperies are painted... all these demons, the devil," says the restorer. "It's hard to notice these things from afar."

What's hiding under the paint and cracks

A separate area of work is the analysis of the vault's condition. Specialists examine every crack, even if at first glance it poses no threat.

"There are cracks that do not require intervention because they hold well," explains Solomiia Bihanych. "But we examine all of them, because even the smallest one can be insidious: the plaster holds, but the paint doesn't."

All this is part of the preparation for the comprehensive conservation of the murals, which are a key element of the sacred space of the SS. Archangel Michael Church of the UGCC, belonging to the complex of the Studite Rule monastery.

The "Battle in Heaven" that the ceiling tells

The abbot of the church, Father Alipiy, reminds: the theme of the fresco is the biblical story of the Archangel Michael's victory over the forces of evil.

"The fresco depicts the biblical story of Michael's victory over evil forces, which took place in heaven. The Archangel Michael is depicted with a fiery sword, with which he defeats the evil forces," he says.

This painting, the priest adds, is not only about history but also about symbols – the struggle between good and evil, which continues today in the Christian tradition.

And when you stand directly under the church vault, where paint, light, and space merge into one, the "open sky" illusion ceases to be just a painting technique. It works as a concept that has survived centuries – and is now undergoing another test of time.

We remind you that the restoration in the SS. Archangel Michael Church covers about 3000 sq. m of 18th-century frescoes. The work began with the sanctuary and will continue in stages – next, the central nave and side parts of the church are planned. Ukrainian and Polish specialists are working on the murals, combining scientific research with manual restoration, restoring the illusory frescoes that create an open sky effect.

#Church of Archangel Michael UGCC

#St. Michael's Church in Lviv

#Lviv churches will be restored

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