Leseprobe

25 Cagnini | Galeotti | Porcinai | Santagostino Barbone | Mercante while the deeper one is thicker (80– 100 µm) and has different characteristics (higher gran- ulometry, inhomogeneity). FTIR analyses show the presence of a lipid binder (probably oil). The presence of several superimposed layers with the same composition may be due to different coats of the original painting or to re-painting. The two upper layers may be two coats of the same painting. The deeper layer might be the original one, with greater thickness. However, no film including deposited dust, is present on top of this layer, as is commonly observed between overlapping layers applied in different times. The head of Saint Erasmus The head (fig. 3) was part of a huge artwork that underwent many reassembly interventions, the last one in 1718. In this intervention, the head was mounted on a full body with a new silver dress. Other original parts, in addition to the head, were assembled together on the reliquary, notably a little plaque with the Virgin on a throne and a crosier with fleur-de-lys decorations, symbols of the Anjou family. 8 The reliquary was dismantled and stolen in the 1980s: the only element left was the head, probably because it was not considered precious, owing to the paint that hides the silver substrate. In fact, the head is completely covered by a layer of paint: on the hair, a black layer is present, while the face is covered by a flesh-tone layer. Lips and eyes are also painted. Some lacunas are present on the face, showing the silver surface underneath. Fig. 3 Head of Saint Erasmus , Neapolitan production, 14th century, painted silver, h. 24 cm, Gaeta, Museo Diocesano