THE WAY TO THE CALVARY ALTARPIECE

POLYCHROME DECORATION 

The polychrome decoration dominated by the balance between burnished gilts, intense blue azurites and the whites of headdresses, boots and garments. Some details picked out in green glaze on silver, burnished silver and reds on frames, traceries and openwork complete the palate of colours used to decorate the work. Flesh tones are pale and subtly hinted at.

Decorative techniques:

• Assorted gilt star motifs on red frames.

• Gilt applied brocade with coloured highlights on the tunic of one of the three Holy Women and the Cross being carried by Christ which is decorated in alternate stripes.

• Large format (20 x 12.5 cm) vertically lined, ungilded applied brocade and fine details picked out in colour on the sides of the main frame of the altarpiece.

• Fleurs-de-lis and gold paper stars applied to a background of blue azurite.