Proceedings e report - Firenze University Press

EXAMINATION AND CONSERVATION OF TWO DIFFERENT WOODEN POLYCHROME SCULPTURES
3.2. Anjo Ceroferario
This sculpture was made of a section of an oak tree (Quercus sp.), characterized by OM identification
and a sample both taken from the sculpture (Fig. 7). The X-ray examination and the diagnosis of the
conservation condition revealed extensive internal damage caused by one longitudinal split. This was
only slightly visible on the outer surface with an unaided eye, but it could endanger the sculpture’s
stability and its vertical standing (Fig. 8). From the outside we could only see the paint layer fissured,
not an extensive crack. Only at the bottom area of the sculpture was it possible to see a large crack
right in the centre (Fig. 9).
After having studied the composition of the paint layer and the causes of material alterations, the
treatment was done by filling the crack, with stable pieces of old oak wood and PVA (polyvinylacetate
based glue), to prevent the sculpture to break and split apart (Fig. 10).
Fig. 7 – Nossa Senhora do Rosário. Indication of the assembly lines
and the location of the cedar parts (yellow). Left: front view; Right:
upper view.
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Fig. 8 – Anjo Ceroferário. X-ray
examination of whole sculpture,
where we can see an internal long
longitudinal crack.
Fig. 9 – Anjo Ceroferário. Areas where the longitudinal crack inside the support has also fissured the painted
layer.