Dossal with Crucifixion and Stories of St. Blaise and Catherine of Alexander
The large ornamental dossal in tempera, gold, and silver consists of seven compartments. In the center is the Crucifixion with side stories of Saints Blaise and Catherine of Alexandria. The work is by the First Master of St. Clare in Montefalco, the head of an articulate workshop among the most active in the Spoleto area in the 14th century. The severe economic difficulties forced the nuns of the Monastery of St. Clare of the Cross in Montefalco to sell this marvelous panel in 1925. A careful study will allow us to deepen the history of this precious artifact and analyze iconographic details never investigated so far, translated into a frank and sanguine style that expresses the fervent devotion of the faithful to the Cross and the saints favored by the local tradition.
Restoration Procedures
- Clean the frame to bring out the precious silver decoration
- Possible removal of the old present stucco work
- Aesthetic adjustment of the remade portions of the frame
- General inspection of the state of conservation and the revision of the painted surface
- Color reintegration to restore aesthetic balance to the surface of the entire frame
- Inspection and revision of the functionality of the metal cross beams placed on the back by the Wood Restoration Laboratory
