Täytemaalaukset

Täytemaalaukset is a Finnish term that translates to "filling paintings" or "infill paintings." It refers to a type of mural or painting applied to surfaces that were previously blank or had older, perhaps damaged, artworks. These paintings are often found on the interior walls of churches, particularly in Finland and historically in the Baltic region, dating from the late medieval period to the early modern era.

The purpose of täytemaalaukset varied. In some cases, they were commissioned to replace or cover older frescoes that had fallen into disrepair or were deemed unfashionable. In other instances, they were added to bare walls to enhance the decorative program of a church, often with religious imagery, biblical scenes, or symbolic motifs. The style and quality of täytemaalaukset could range significantly, from simple decorative patterns to elaborate narrative compositions.

The technique involved applying pigments mixed with a binder, such as egg tempera or oil, onto a prepared plaster surface. The execution might be carried out by local artisans or by more skilled traveling painters. Surviving examples of täytemaalaukset offer valuable insights into the artistic practices, religious beliefs, and cultural exchanges of the periods in which they were created. Studying these works helps art historians understand the evolution of church decoration and the dissemination of artistic styles across different regions.