Amendment: Following a conversation with nuns at Patriarchate of Peć, while vandalism *was* done to frescos in Our Lady of Ljeviš (& elsewhere), the chipping damage may represent an early attempt at conservation. Although it seems counterintuitive, chipping holes may have allowed moisture trapped behind the paint to escape. This would account for the systematic appearance of the damage, & for its presence in places not readily accessible to casual vandals.

It’s very hard to find a source to verify this (esp. while on-the-go). Here’s a photo from the exterior of Patriarchate of Peć, showing the chipping (some of which appears filled). Are there any #art #artHistory buffs who know a thing or two about #conservation of #medieval #frescos & can comment with certainty on what’s going on here?