Winged angel from the Pantheon of the Pau-Simó family (General Cemetery of Valencia). Casuistry of deterioration and restorative treatment

Abstract

This work shows a part of the complex restoration treatment carried out in the illustrious Pau-Simó Family Pantheon (1895), located in the General Cemetery of Valencia. The pantheon is attributed to the architect Gerardo Roig i Gimeno and measures 3.70 x 7.83 x 4.2 m. Specifically, the sculptural figure of the winged angel, object of this study, is carved in statuary Carrara marble and, from the set of damages identified, the presence of cracks in the back represented the most outstanding deterioration, which compromised its aesthetics and structural stability. In order to solve the damage, a series of strategies were applied focused on, a) disassembly of the wings, b) physicochemical cleaning, c) consolidation, d) volume treatment, sewing and sealing, development of stone-fiberglass hybrid spikes and assembly of the wings, e) protection and f) maintenance plan. The work presented highlights the operation carried out, with a minimally invasive approach, which allowed to recover the structural stability against the advanced state of collapse in which it was found the piece. © 2021, Ge-Conservacion. All Rights Reserved.