ALTARPIECE OF THE INFANCY OF CHRIST

POLYCHROME DECORATION 

Polychrome decoration is visible in both original areas and ones in which it has been reapplied, which leads to confusion. It is quite possible, however, that the reapplication of polychrome decoration has  reproduced the same colours of the original paint. Predominant colours are gold and blues with the rears of the compartments and certain garments being picked out in plain burnished gold, with no punching or any other kind of added decoration. Some details such as hair are decorated in matte gold, while silver leaf with red and brownish-grey glaze - whose colour has almost entirely disappeared altogether today - has been used to decorate several garments. Whites and pastel colours, red and green glazes and applied brocade make up the remainder of the polychromed whole.

Decorative techniques:

• Gilt continuous applied brocade with certain details picked out in green glaze.

• Non gilt continuous applied brocade with certain details picked out in black and blue.