The Intervention Plan team has started the restoration of artworks in the church of Santa Marina in Sejas de Sanabria (Zamora). The action is centered on the main altarpiece, a seventeenth century piece of carved wood, gilt and polychromed. It has a classical structure and it is decorated with several polychromed carved images. Specifically, the sculpture of the patron saint, Santa Marina, and two scenes with San Joaquin with the Child Mary and Joseph with Child Jesus.
Condition
The altarpiece presents a serious attack of wood-eating insect that has caused the loss of density and strength in the wood, especially in the most exposed areas. The polychrome layer is well preserved but in general, the picture surface presents a significant oxidation of the colors and the protective layer. A deposit of inorganic dust and microbial debris such as insect nests and spider webs can be appreciated too.
Treatment
After carrying out previous studies and tests, we are currently performing the on-site intervention consisting of two different parts: the conservation phase and the restoration treatments. The main objective is to restore structural stability to every element of the altarpiece.
Other actions
Intervention in Sejas de Sanabria will be completed with a different works in the building itself, focused primarily on the application of new technologies, through the installation of the Monitoring Heritage System (MHS), developed by the Fundación Santa María la Real. The project will allow the installation of different types of sensors, which serve, among other things, to ensure the preventive conservation of the building.
