History and Techniques of a Polychrome Wooden Statue, How an Integrated Approach Contributes to Resolving Iconographic Inconsistencies

The object of this paper is the diagnostic campaign performed on polychrome wooden statue, revered as St. John, stored in church dedicated to “Beata Vergine d’Itria” (Blessed Virgin Itria), (Noragugume town, Sardinia, Italy). restoration statue gave occasion investigate micro-samples from support and polychromy order gather information that could be useful for intervention. In fact, there was limited fine carved its iconographic pattern appeared not strictly canonical. Moreover, these kinds artworks, having religious significant faithful, have been generally modified over time satisfy possible changes artistic or needs ecclesiastical reforms. aims study are: (i) restorers defining conservation status (ii) perform a series analyses identify wood materials painting layers. Specifically, micro-sample examined under microscope anatomical characteristics species; pigments were studied through X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive (SEM-EDS); organic analysed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR); and, lastly, panting technique investigated micro-stratigraphy (MS). analysis taken allowed identifying poplar. XRF detected chemical elements associated such azurite, blue smalt, red lead, white lead ochres, Au gilding. SEM-EDS confirmed find also other suggest presence further Ag metal foil. FTIR proteinaceous binder siccative oils mapped using histochemical tests. All used address intervention cleaning final retouching.