Historic paint investigation of the Gierczyn parish church painted decoration in the context of the mining history of the region

The painted decoration of the Gierczyn parish church situated in the Izera Mountains was studied in the context of the rich mining history of the region known for tin, copper, and cobalt ores extraction. Smalt and copper pigments identification is discussed in the context of possible provenance studies. The aim is to determine to what extent the decoration of the parish church in Gierczyn reflects the mining history of the region and to verify whether local materials could have been used. Historic paint investigation is supported by chemical analysis of pigments. Additionally, the paper presents results of research combining archival studies of copper and cobalt extraction, and smalt production in nearby Przecznica, and of the parish church which was the main temple for local miners