A few hours ago a new scaffolding appeared in the Cathedral in the south transept under the wonderful vault painted with the Stories of Jacob. In fact, the first bay houses the splendid wooden crucifix sculpted by Bertesi in 1687 resting on the altar dated 1641, the work of the sculptor Angelo Nani and the painter Carlo Natali.
“The background is probably contemporary with the period of the crucifix, and represents a simple landscape with some landscape elements. A symbolic Jerusalem.” explains Don Gianluca Gaiardi, diocesan manager of cultural heritage and ecclesiastical buildings. “We will only intervene on a small lifting of the plaster of the bottom, due to rising damp. The fund is perfectly preserved and will not require other interventions, as will the precious crucifix.” says Don Gaiardi. “After the intervention done on the bas-relief of the Expulsion of Adam and Eve we had to intervene here too. The work just completed has also given us many interesting study ideas. After the cleaning done with laser technology, new characteristics of the work emerged which now unequivocally shows two different hands having carried it out. One of which, however, appears modified. In particular, it would seem that Eva’s face is undersized and shows signs of subsequent modification. Giorgio Milanesi is carrying out the study on the work and, at the end of his research, he will help us understand and decide whether or not to intervene with a remodeling of the modified parts.”
Meanwhile, work on the wooden doors also continues. “We have finished the cleaning and removal of the paint layers, now we will deal with the fillers and additions. We will then make a visit to the Superintendence who will suggest how to proceed with the finishing. Our intentions would be to leave the wood grain visible without re-masking the doors with a covering paint that simulates bronze” concludes the priest.
