In February 2015, the conservation-restoration process of these 18th century polychrome wood reliefs, dedicated to the life of Saint Teresa, which are exhibited in room 27, was completed.

Saint Teresa confessing with Saint John of the Cross 

Catalonia

First half of the 18th century

272 x 93 x 19 cm

Polychrome carving

MFM 1188

Saint Teresa in her cell

Catalonia

First half of the 18th century

276 x 93 x 19 cm

Polychrome carving

MFM 1189

The conservation-restoration process carried out has allowed the recovery of the original chromaticism and the appreciation of the different and careful polychromy techniques used.

Thus, we can observe the matte quality of the tempera painting of the scenes, with the treatment of the different materials such as the wooden furniture or the finely worked marble floors, in contrast to the colorful sgraffito on gilt of the dresses and the angels' wings, and finally the carnations in oil. Only the clouds of oxidized silver have lost their original luster that would give even more luminosity to the composition of the reliefs.

The conservation-restoration interventions for both pieces have been as follows:

• Fixation of the polychromy of the reliefs and the golden frames. 

• Removal of dirt and a thick layer of faded surface varnish that distorted the chromaticism. 

• Removal of old restoration interventions. 

• Pictorial reintegration of small losses of polychromy.