148 Concluding remarks cussing on consolidation resulted in the conservation and restoration of four retables, the sculpture of the Holy Christ, and the paintings “Annunciation”, “Death of St Joseph”, and “Purgatory”. The treatment stabilised the objects and restored many positive aesthetic qualities by respecting the age-related value of the authentic original. While in the treatment of the retables, where the original polychromy had been preserved untouched, reconstruction was kept to a minimum, the approach used for the paintings and the sculpture, which had all already been treated before, was different. Focussing on a purely conservation treatment would have preserved them, however with an unpleasant appearance. Therefore, inadequate additions, such as the dark brownish varnish and mismatching overpaints, were removed to reveal the original surface, thus improving appearance and readability. The treatment involved the filling of losses and the tonal integration of these additions, motivated by the liturgical function and the close viewing distance. All additions and retouches were applied in a manner that ensures an overall harmonious appearance. At the same time, they remain distinguishable from the original. Many hundreds of working hours were invested, many of them with an invisible effect, as they were aimed at consolidating and stabilizing the endangered substance of the material. Nevertheless, significant improvements in the appearance of the exterior have been achieved, allowing the beauty of the original surface and the creation intended by the artists and craftsmen to be perceived again. With these measures, there is hope that this unique group of retables will be preserved for the (near) future and that their beauty and dignity will remain visible for generations to come.
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