Conservation-restoration process of a sculpture of Santa Rosalia in Palermo from the second half of the 18th century, in polychrome wood
Conservation-restoration process of a sculpture of Santa Rosalia in Palermo from the second half of the 18th century, in polychrome wood
In 2017, conservation-restoration interventions were carried out on the sculpture of Santa Rosalía that is exhibited in room 20 of the MFM, on the occasion of its presentation at the exhibition: Pictures to be believed. Catholics and Protestants in Europe and Barcelona, 16th-18th centuries .
Santa Rosalia
2nd half 18th century
Polychrome wood carving
167 x 96 x 95 cm
MFM 1478
The conservation-restoration process carried out has made it possible to recover much of the original chromaticism of the work.
A preliminary examination of the work has been carried out using level light, ultraviolet light and observation under the stereoscopic microscope, in order to determine the state of conservation of the work.
The conservation-restoration interventions have been the following:
• Punctual consolidation of weak elements of the wooden support.
• Fixation of the polychromy in danger of detachment.
• First cleaning phase with the removal of the generalized dirt that distorted the chromaticism of the work, with the recovery of the pink of the complexions, the variation of tones of the roses and the white of the shirt.
• Pictorial reintegration by attenuating the main loss of polychromy.
