Conservation of medieval polychrome wooden sculpture: history, theory, practice

The first monograph to comprehensively discuss the history and methodology of the conservation of medieval polychrome wood sculpture. These sculptures are carriers of historical significance that have undergone centuries of repainting, deterioration, restoration, and conservation.

The book’s content includes a discussion of the history, techniques, and significance of these works. Chapters include survey and documentation, including sections on the identification of both the wooden base and the polychrome itself—the layers of paint, metal sheet, and other materials used for these sculptures. The book also covers many aspects of the finishing process: the process of determining the best approach; the fixation and adhesion of paint, primer, and base; the removal of repainting and surface cleaning; and compensation. Four case studies of works of art from The Cloisters collection in New York, a comprehensive bibliography, and a checklist to aid documentation complement the text.

The Ukrainian edition has added a Glossary of Terms.

This book will become an invaluable resource in the preservation of Ukrainian icons, iconostases, and polychrome sculpture.