Scientific studies for the restauration of two wooden arm reliquaries from the Cathedral of Palermo

Abstract

Dedicated to Saint Generosi and Saint Rosana, the reliquary arms, recalling the shape of a body part, are today located in the Relics Chapel in Palermo Cathedral. They are probably dated to the second half of the 18th century and are attributed to an unknown artist. The aims of this study were to investigate the decorative techniques, verify the state of conservation of the constitutive materials, measure the microclimate condition in the Relics Chapel, in order to set up a correct preventive conservation strategy. In this regard, an integrated scientific investigation was performed focusing on environmental monitoring (thermo-hygrometric parameters) by HOBO system, characterization of materials constituting the artefacts through optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDS), and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF). The results lead to defining the appropriate restoration project for the two gilded wooden reliquaries.