Polychrome Christ Figure | Brzezinski Portfolio

Treatment of Polychrome Christ Figure

Object: Figure of the Christ Child

Acc.#: 1977.188

Maker: Unknown

Date: 18th Century

Dimensions: 33.5in x 14.5in x 9.75in

Materials: Wood, polychrome, water gilding

Collection: Denver Art Museum

Location of Origin: Mexico

Treated in 2021 for permanent display in the Latina American Art Gallery, in the newly renovated Martin Building at the Denver Art Museum

After Treatment

Context

Religious sculptures are extremely common in Europe, and Spain had a long tradition of techniques and religious use. Spain's colonization of South America, brought these techniques and practices to the region. Sculptures like these show Spanish techniques applied by a different culture and craft tradition.

Polychrome sculptures of Christian figures were extremely common in churches, monasteries, and private residences. The gilded surfaces would have a dramatic impact in the flickering candle light, directing the worshipers’ gaze to the important elements. Polychrome sculpture were active devotional objects, and routinely cleaned, painted, or altered for a pristine appearance or to keep with current trends.

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Condition

Missing sections on the wooden plinth and fingers
Extensive previous repairs to the figure's proper right arm and wooden base
Losses to the paint
Heavy craquelure overall
Flaking, worn, and tenting paint
Heavy overpaint on the plinth, possibly covering extremely worn water gilding
Heavy surface dirt and grime overall

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Treatment

Surface cleaning of painted surfaces and gilding
Consolidation of lifting paint
Casting and inpainting replacement for the missing section of the gilded plinth
Fills to losses in the proper right arm
Inpainting distracting losses in the figure's face
Consultation and collaboration with curators to determine extent of the restoration
Treatment included collaboration with the paintings and frame conservators