Restored VIII Station of the Cross.

VKRestoration of Holyoke, Massachusetts notes that regardless of the convictions of the restorer, restoration of religious icons imposes another layer of accountability, beyond materials, and that is the understanding of the symbolic meaning of color and form. These fourteen Stations of the Cross are plaster of paris reliefs, painted and set in wooden frames. They had been repainted twice, and it was necessary to carefully remove the top layers to discover what original colors were used. The original colors impart symbolic meaning and help to sustain a continuous, unifying narrative through the fourteen works. This original color scheme was restored, as was the graining, stencilling and gold leaf on the wood frames.

Church Restoration Specialists

Detail original paint layer.

Closeup Station of the Cross, VII.