A closer examination of the relief Adoration of the Shepherds and a summary of current knowledge in the care of Braun's Nativity Scene
Provider: Univerzita Pardubice
Programme: Studentská grantová soutěž
Implementation period: 01.01.26 - 31.12.26
Workplace:
Fakulta restaurování - FR
Investigator: Bittnerová KristýnaTeam member: Ďoubal Jakub
Description:
The project builds on long-term cooperation in the conservation of the sculptural group in the Nový les near Kuks, created by Matyáš Bernard Braun between 1718 and 1732. It represents an exceptionally valuable complex of sculptures and reliefs carved directly into a sandstone rock massif. A specific feature of this monument is the long-term moisture affecting certain parts, which is related both to the character of the subsoil and to the presence of minor springs within the rock massif, of which the reliefs form an integral part. This condition manifests itself in selected areas through a reduction in the cohesion of the sandstone, gradual surface erosion, and the loss of fine relief details. The project will focus on an extended survey of the Adoration of the Shepherds relief from Braun’s Nativity scene, which is among the most severely degraded parts of the ensemble. The project will also include the preparation of a scholarly article summarizing current conservation approaches and the results of both long-term and recent research into this exceptional monument.
The project builds on long-term cooperation in the conservation of the sculptural group in the Nový les near Kuks, created by Matyáš Bernard Braun between 1718 and 1732. It represents an exceptionally valuable complex of sculptures and reliefs carved directly into a sandstone rock massif. A specific feature of this monument is the long-term moisture affecting certain parts, which is related both to the character of the subsoil and to the presence of minor springs within the rock massif, of which the reliefs form an integral part. This condition manifests itself in selected areas through a reduction in the cohesion of the sandstone, gradual surface erosion, and the loss of fine relief details. The project will focus on an extended survey of the Adoration of the Shepherds relief from Braun’s Nativity scene, which is among the most severely degraded parts of the ensemble. The project will also include the preparation of a scholarly article summarizing current conservation approaches and the results of both long-term and recent research into this exceptional monument.
