Metallic and Translucent Decorative Layers: Analytical and Historical Insights from the Medieval Sculptural Complex of the Refectory of San Salvador de Oña (Burgos, Spain)

The Monastery of San Salvador de Oña (Burgos) is a Benedictine site that has undergone substantial modifications since its foundation in the 11th century and preserves a significant corpus of Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque artistic remains. Among these, the refectory stands out as a particularly distinctive ensemble, exhibiting sculptural influences from the Burgundy region and serving as a notable example in terms of structure, craftsmanship, and decoration. Material characterization analyses of this ensemble have not only identified the range of pigments present but also documented metallic materials and applied decorative elements, providing the basis for a proposed chronological framework for the various pictorial strata and stages. A detailed examination of the metallic materials and their overlaying layers has facilitated a comprehensive analysis focused on materiality, manufacturing techniques, and methods of application, while also situating the decoration within its historical, artistic, and cultural context.