Scientific Examination for the Investigation of the Painting Technique of Contemporary Mural Paintings: The Angry Christ by Alfonso Ossorio in Victorias, Negros Occidental, Philippines

Jem Erika Nique, Emilio Catelli, Zohreh Chahardoli, Rocco Mazzeo

Abstract

The Last Judgement, known as The Angry Christ, is a 60-square-meter contemporary mural painting by Alfonso Ossorio in Victorias, Negros Occidental, Philippines. The artist was reported to use the penetrative binder Ethyl Silicate 40 (ES40) together with an appropriate palette to withstand the harsh tropical conditions, as recommended by paint chemist Ralph Mayer. A combination of non-destructive and micro-destructive techniques was performed to look into the stratigraphy of the mural painting, clarifying the use of the tempera technique as a restoration intervention, characterizing physical and chemical reactions which resulted in chromatic alterations, and confirming the presence and depth of penetration of the ES40 binder. This study confirmed the presence of micro-cracks and organic compounds such as oxalates and metal carboxylates, and the use of the ES40 binder and several recommended palettes. This study can provide further information on the materials characterization and benefit future conservation-restoration interventions to this mural painting.

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IMEKO-MetroArchaeo-2023-065.pdf

DOI

10.21014/tc4-ARC-2023.065

IMEKO TC

TC4 - Measurement of Electrical Quantities

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