ARCAer Project. Conservation and analysis of antique ensembles of reliquaries

Abstract

This paper focuses on a collection of reliquary busts integrated in the reliquary sanctuary of Madre de Deus Convent. It explores the ARCAer project which will address this set through its historical, stylistic and iconological study. It will include laboratory analysis of the materials and technologies associated with the production of the sculptures with the intend of establishing affinities and differences between the several objects, which may bring clarification about their origins, their ordering process and the conservation treatment of the set. It is intended to recover the works and relocate them in their original places, resuming an integrated discourse that was lost. Also, the project aims to reflect upon the human drive to preserve material memories, establishing parallels with our days.