How do I clean polychrome timber?

Dust gently with a soft, dry brush to remove loose particles. Avoid water, harsh solvents or modern cleaning agents that can strip fragile historic paint. Professional conservators should handle deep cleaning or stabilisation of flaking gesso and pigment layers to preserve the integrity of the surface.

Where should I display these sculptures?

Keep sculptures away from direct sunlight and strong heat sources such as radiators. Stable indoor humidity prevents the wood from drying out and cracking. Wall-mounted panels require secure fixings into studs or masonry, while freestanding figures need level surfaces and stable display stands.

Are these pieces repainted?

Many older pieces retain traces of original pigment alongside later touch-ups or overpaint applied during historic maintenance. Ultraviolet light or close inspection under magnification helps reveal underlying layers. Original surface wear and minor pigment loss are standard for centuries-old works and contribute to their authentic visual character.

How can I tell the age?

Age is assessed through tool marks, wood shrinkage patterns, construction methods and the composition of the gesso and paint layers. Hand-cut joinery and period-specific pigments offer strong clues. Stylistic markers relating to gothic, renaissance or folk art traditions also help narrow down the date of manufacture.

Search 0

38,623 PAGES BROWSED TODAY PAGES TODAY • 79 ANTIQUES UPLOADED TODAYNEW ARRIVALS

Sorted by

Per page

VISITOR LOGIN DEALER LOGIN

Saved

Polychrome Timber Sculpture

79 ITEMS ADDED TODAY

Visitor Login (saved items)

Sort Order

Items Per Page

Polychrome Timber Sculpture

37 items · page 3 of 3

← Page 3 of 3 →

Polychrome timber sculpture brings together carved wood and surviving layers of paint, gesso or gold leaf to form figures, panels and architectural elements.