CONSERVATION OF POLYCHROME WOOD - PRINCIPLES AND CASE STUDY

Abstract

Polychrome wood artefacts represent a significantly valuable component of world cultural heritege, requiring thorough scientific investigation and specific conservation-restoration treatments. These are illustrated in this paper by the case study of an artisanal hanger, originating from Szecklerland, Romania. The study is focused on the analysis of initial conservation state and indentification of the constituent materials and techniques, employing non invasive and microdestructive scientific investigation methods, such as: photographic techniques, radiography, and microscopy of cros-sections through the painting layer. The conservation-restoration process of the hanger consisted in a series of treatments meant to preserve its authenticity, while highlighting its original beauty.

Keywords

• polychrome wood
• scientific investigation
• conservation
• restoration
• principles