Mater Dolorosa (Our Lady of Sorrows)

Anonymous
Date: 18th–19th centuries
Materials: Oil on canvas adhered to pressed cardboard
This sweet representation of the Virgin arrived at the CAEM in need of restoration to recover its original aesthetic, as it had some damage caused by the pressure exerted on the support and by the passage of time. The different layers of the work had become detached, causing seepage between them, as well as unwanted movements in the pictorial film. This had led to wrinkling, blisters and even loss of the pictorial surface in some areas. It also showed yellowing of the surface and dust deposits. After cleaning and bonding the support, the pictorial surface was cleaned, consolidated and reintegrated. This process was carried out using reversible materials and the tratteggio technique, following the centre’s policy of “minimum intervention and maximum reversibility”. A gold reintegration was also carried out in the affected areas where appropriate. Finally, a protective layer consisting of a transparent, elastic and reversible varnish was applied, ultimately restoring the work’s aesthetic dignity.