Biographies carved in wood. Reconstructing narratives for medieval polychrome sculptures

Abstract

This thesis consists of an object-centred conservation studies approach, focusing on a selection of late-medieval polychrome sculptures as primary source material. The aim has been to combine material investigations with studies of treatment and display history and examinations of the wider socio-historical contexts, thus coming to broader interpretations of medieval sculpture in changing contexts over time. This has led to updated knowledge about the sculptures, while cementing their value as a significant aspect of Norwegian cultural heritage. Given that the sculptures’ function and appearance have changed, conservators are in a position to facilitate access to various past stages in their object biographies. Consequently, the object biographical approach is employed as theoretical framework in this thesis. Building object biographies of the sculptures highlights their continued relevance within the Norwegian cultural heritage narrative despite their status as Hanseatic import art. This research project argues for the conservator’s role as mediator in reading and giving meaning to material evidence by means of suitable modes of interpretation. The thesis has outlined how the study of the material nature, treatment history and wider context of late-medieval sculpture can contribute to their interpretation. Results have demonstrated that, given that the sculptures' roles, function and appearance have irreversibly changed, conservators are in a position to facilitate access to the various stages in their narrative. Appreciating the many ways in which their appearance and function have been modified over time allows for an illustration of the object biographies of selected late-medieval sculptures in Norway. This interdisciplinary approach offers insight gained from methods and techniques employed in conservation studies, thus contributing to a richer interpretation of material culture.