Relicma

: o conjunto de relicários do santuário do convento da Madre de Deus (Lisboa). História, tecnologia, conservação e valorização

Abstract

The present thesis focuses on a collection of 42 reliquary busts from the choir loft of the church from Madre de Deus Convent in Xabregas, Lisbon. This collection stands out for its artistic quality and apparent preservation, consisting primarily of busts produced between the 16th and 18th centuries. Our research aimed to explore this collection through a multidisciplinary methodology encompassing historical-artistic analysis, iconographic study, and technical and material analysis. The technical and analytical study aimed to understand whether this sculptural typology was associated with a specific technique or if it followed the recommendations of the time for gilded and polychrome wooden sculptures. Additionally, it sought to establish a chronological framework for the production of these works. The results suggest that the techniques and materials used are in alignment with the recommendations found in artistic treatises of the time and artworks from the same centuries. In summary, the polychrome structure consists of calcium sulfate and a proteinaceous binder, bole layers predominantly kaolinitic and also a proteinaceous binder, and high-carat gold leaves. The identified pigments were white lead, vermilion, azurite, red lead, hematite, orpiment, massicot, leadtin yellow, malachite, verdigris, azurite, indigo, smalt, umber, carbon black, realgar, and Prussian blue. The hagiographic and iconographic study allowed the division of the ensemble into iconographic groups, associated with the convent´s devotional practices, where the veneration of relics held great importance. Seven groups were identified: “The First Family”, the group of virgin martyrs, the group of Holy Innocents, the Franciscans, the 40 Martyrs of Sebaste, the Popes, and another group which included busts without any specific connection. This analysis supported the development of hypotheses regarding the original narrative of the collection, which was lost over time due to various renovations the convent underwent and the movement of pieces within the same religious space. Finally, conservation and restoration treatments were carried out and are identified in this thesis.

Date of Award	27 Jan 2025
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Sponsors	Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia
Supervisor	Alexandre Pais (Supervisor), Carolina Barata (Co-Supervisor) & Nuno Camarneiro (Co-Supervisor)