This study was carried out in preparation for the conservation of the oil painted
dome of Archangel Gabriel church located at Haret El Saqqayeen in Abdeen
(Cairo). Stratigraphic, chemical and environmental studies were conducted to
examine the painting technique and to assess the conservation state of the
dome. The dome was imaged using Multi-spectral imaging and samples were
collected from representative areas. Cross-sections were investigated by the
means of scanning electron microscopy coupled with dispersive energy of X-ray
spectrometer (SEM-EDS) and stereo microscopy. Fourier transformed infrared
spectroscopy (FTIR) and gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC/MS) was
employed for the identification of the paint medium. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and
the colorimetric measurements were conducted for characterization the differences
of hues between the original and non-original pigments. As a part of the
study, the environment within the dome was measured with data loggers and gas
sampling. The results showed that the painted dome dates back to two different
periods. The older paintings were applied before 1907 and were covered by
ground layers to be repainted in 1907. Non-professional over-painting and the
uncontrolled indoor climate have a significant role in the deterioration phenomena
of the dome.