A research team from the University of Oslo is examining the sculptures with scientific methods together with experts at the Swedish National Heritage Board. Using X-rays, 3D microscopes, and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, the researchers want to determine whether the damage to the objects is traces of intentional destruction or if it occurred through wear, accidents, and other events over time. The specific scientific findings from these methods have not yet been revealed.
The largest of the examined sculptures is a Madonna with the Christ Child, which was previously in Visby Cathedral. The sculpture is dated to around 1225. The Christ Child is missing its right hand—one of the damages that will now be examined more closely in the laboratory.
For us at the museum, it is very important that cultural heritage develops in various ways. That we find out more.
The researchers plan to examine about 150 objects. Seven of them come from Gotland Museum and were found in Gotlandic churches during the Middle Ages. The Gotlandic objects are the first to be analyzed within the project.
Johanna Pietikäinen Kidvall, head of collections at Gotland Museum, said, "For us at the museum, it is very important that cultural heritage develops in various ways. " POLYCHROME – 'The Survival of Damaged Medieval Polychromed Heritage in the Nordics' is a large research project funded by the European Research Council. In Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, about 3,200 medieval painted wooden sculptures and other objects are preserved.
Many of them have been intentionally damaged and mutilated by religious opponents, but the extent is unknown. The results from the study are expected to be ready in a few years, though the exact timeline has not been specified.