How old are these sculptures?

The pieces span from pre-sixteenth century medieval church carvings up to twentieth-century folk art and decorative objects. Most standard listings cluster around the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Earlier items often originate from religious contexts, while later pieces lean towards decorative figures, animals and regional craft traditions.

What woods were used?

Carvers utilised a variety of timbers depending on regional availability and the scale of the intended object. Oak and walnut appear frequently in European religious pieces, while limewood and olive wood support finer figurative work. Makers selected each wood for its grain structure and stability under applied gesso and paint.

How do I care for polychrome wood?

Maintain stable indoor humidity levels and keep pieces away from direct heat sources and strong sunlight. Sudden environmental shifts can cause timber to move and the historic gesso or paint layer to flake. Dust gently with a soft dry brush and avoid liquid cleaners or polishes that might damage the original pigment.

Gesso is a traditional mixture of binder and chalk applied directly to the carved wood surface. It acts as an adhesive ground and smooths out tool marks before the artisan lays down gold leaf or paint. The quality of this preparation layer underpins the durability and appearance of the final polychrome finish.

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Polychrome Carved Wood Sculpture

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These pieces of polychrome carved wood sculpture bring together hand-cut timber, painted pigment and layered gold leaf to form figures, panels and shrines.