88 The sculpture of the crucified Christ Reconstruction of the perizonium Reconstruction was carried out on the front of the perizonium, where it was not possible to remove the overpaint without damaging the original. Gaps were filled up with the mixture Plextol B500‐ water 1:1 + addition of microballoons CARA XV99. The whole surface was covered by applying a Japanese paper with hide glue 4%. This paper will be a release layer for any future attempt or further restoration treatment. Before the paper was applied, the position and design of the quatrefoil pattern were transferred to the paper with a pencil. The colour of the surface was achieved with titanium white pigment in retouching medium (5% Paraloid B72 in 25% diacetone alcohol/75% ethanol). The pattern was reconstructed in Tratteggio with yellow ochre pigment and the blue lines with ceruleum pigment (Fig. 136, 137). The use of gold was avoided to indicate the reconstruction as such. The blood was retouched in Tratteggio as well. Final mounting To avoid strain on the arms, a webbing belt sling was first passed through the arm holes and through the upper body for the final assembly of the crucifix (Fig. 138). This strap was attached to the vertical crossbeam. In addition, a central stainless-steel screw was placed in the area of the loincloth, where the sculpture is very solid. The arms were then inserted, fixed to the shoulders with Japanese paper bridges, and finally the sculpture was secured with the original wooden nails onto the cross. Most of the weight is held by the webbing belt. Evaluation Thanks to the treatment, the condition of the sculpture is stable again. A comparatively high proportion of restoration interventions (removal of the overpaint, reconstruction of the fingers, the eye; reconstruction of the polychromy of the perizonium) brought back the high quality of the carving and polychromy to this outstanding and unique work of art, which is of great importance to the local community and Croatia. Since the quality of the recent treatment had so dramatically affected the
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