The conservation project of a liturgical object: the case of Infant Jesus of Prague in the church of Saint Mary of Providence at Macchia Giarre (Italy)

Abstract

The object of this work is the liturgical restoration, a practice really discussed in cultural heritage that includes a category of artefact with specific characteristics and a votive- processional use. This practice often comes into conflict with conservation and restoration procedures. The case study investigated in the present paper is a little statue representing the Infant Jesus of Prague from Macchia Giarre (Catania, Italy), a plaster cast produced in 1928 by a Roman manufactory. The artefact underwent several interventions during the years. In January 2013 it was damaged during the traditional procession, making necessary an urgent restoration. The conservative project was supported by a history study of plaster casts and by diagnostic analysis performed through X-ray spectroscopy and computerized axial tomography, in order to gather information on the structure and on the materials