Cracow. Maintenance of the altar

Inside the conservators’ studio in Wawel renovation works on the altar by Veit Stoss are being carried out. Nearly five thousand parts of the triptych were placed in several rooms. The most outstanding Polish conservators patiently repair the damage and restore the original shape of the sculptures and their colour. The linden tree, which Stoss used for the sculpture is about a thousand years old. To strengthen the wood and to kill the bark beetle, a special liquid is injected into holes. It is a tedious job as there are many little holes. After the injection, every hole has to be carefully sealed. The work is carried out under the supervision of Professor Słonecki, and being in the final stages the great artwork of Veit Stoss will return to St Mary's Church.