TECHNIQUE AND RESTORATION OF THREE SCULPTURES BY PEDRO DE MENA

Abstract

This paper describes the examination and treatment of three polychrome wooden sculptures by Pedro de Mena, an important seventeenth-century Spanish sculptor. These were three interesting cases, involving not only the usual conservation processes but also special situations such as the recovery of a glass eye, the replacement of missing parts and polychromy with the help of old photographs, and the analysis of a sculpture where the flesh colours varied depending on whether or not they had been exposed to sunlight. Our understanding of polychrome sculpture technique is enriched with new information concerning the blues of the cloaks, coloured glazes, and materials added to the paint to achieve different effects.