52 The Holy Cross retable The “Arma Christi” are set in grisaille-painted cartouche frames and feature illusionistic effects with light and shadow in order to create a threedimensional character, thus enhancing the effect of the coffering. The symbols were surrounded by a gold-dotted background. These gold dots are lost completely today and can be traced only by microscopic remains. The painting is more decorative than of artistic quality (Fig. 78, 79). The segmental pediment is decorated with a carved and gilded cornice moulding. The flat surface is painted in a greyish colour and decorated with a pattern of white floral ornaments. A blue circle, now hidden behind the cartouche with the depiction of God Father, occupies the centre (Fig. 80). Fig. 78, 79: Arma Christi; detail with the symbols of the flagellation; (left) white dots in the background of the inner cartouche indicate the position of lost gold dots that had been gilded with mordant gilding; the gilding is lost except for microscopic traces; white preparation layer is now visible; (right) digital reconstruction of the lost gold-dotted background decoration Fig. 80: Pediment with blue circle hidden behind the cartouche (here removed), condition as found
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