RELIEF OF THE DESCENT FROM THE CROSS

ALTERATIONS 

In addition to the previously-mentioned Baroque polychrome re-decoration, the relief also shows signs of the following interventions:

• The insertion of a thin sliver of wood into a split on the back of the figure to stop the crack from getting worse. Several iron studs were used to hold it in place.   

• A piece of iron was countersunk into the foot of the relief to hold it firmly in place.

• The foot of the servant holding the body of Christ has been completely replaced by another, new one and paintings have been retouched recently.

• Brilliant glaze applied.

Generally speaking, the relief is in an acceptable state of conservation, though the attack of xylophagous insects has resulted in certain losses at the foot of the relief and in the hand of the Virgin. A few small flakes of polychrome decoration have come off and the phalanges on Mary's left hand have also been lost.