Prof. Dipl.-Rest. Dr. Ulrich Schießl
Department of Art Technology and Conservation Science, Restoration of Art and Cultural  Assets
Dresden Academy of Fine Arts

The sculptural decoration of the west choir is an important document of polychrome stone sculpture in the 13th century. Under several overpaintings of the past centuries remains of the original painting are assumed. The partial project contains studies in art technology and conservation science of the polychromy of the statues of the founders and the architecture close by as well as the passion reliefs and crucifixion scene at the west rood screen. The focus of the investigation is placed especially on the structures of the painting layers, including materials and techniques used. Another aim is a virtual reconstruction of the original polychromy of the 13th century and later overpaintings. Equally important is the investigation and evaluation of the conservation condition.

In the 1960s the west choir and west rood screen were conserved by restorer Konrad Riemann the last time. He used all methods and techniques available in his days: Non-destructive methods of scientific research were limited especially to microscopy and radiation diagnostics (ultraviolet and infrared radiation, X-ray examinations). Today additional, mostly non-destructive methods, are available. The mobile Raman spectroscopy allows non-destructive analyses directly at objects without sampling. Within the partial project of the natural sciences a mobile Raman microprobe is acquired. Chemical analyses, preparation and evaluation of cross sections of layers of paint shall clarify further issues. Virtual reconstructions of the original polychromy and different overpaintings and also mappings of damages, conservation condition and inventory base on digitised geometrical 3D-models in high resolution.

For these investigations modern documentation methods are used as well for which historical data, especially concerning former conservations of the statues of the founders and the passion reliefs, are collected and evaluated as well. Combined with the results of the art-technological research, it will be possible to classify the Naumburg masterpieces into the heretofore investigated inventory of medieval polychrome sculpture in Europe.

The evaluation of the conservation status forms the basis for future conservation and preservation of the sculptures. Within the scope of the project, conservation is not intended. Only the surface will be cleaned modestly.