Restoring the figure of Saint Ambrose

Why fresh gilding has to appear old

When it was decided that the Baroque sculpture of Saint Ambrose in the Augustinian Church should be renovated in 2009, the statue was in a sorry state. The white stucco surface had lost its lustre from the many layers of oil paint and varnish – it was now blotchy and matt. In some areas it had come off completely. One of the fingers on the left hand was missing, as was the crosier.

In the course of restorations the surface was first cleaned. Loose parts were reaffixed before the countless layers of paint were removed. The original surface was enhanced with gypsum and lime mortar grouting of the natural stone subsurface, onto which alabaster and hide glue were applied. Finally, through repeated sanding and polishing, the figure acquired its smooth, shiny surface.

The crosier, believed to be lost, was discovered in the store of the Augustinian Church. However the elaborate crook was missing. A sculptor whittled and polished a new one in lime wood. The gilding then added was artificially distressed to match the age of crosier.