The Restoration of Sixteenth-Century Panel Paintings from Coixtlahuaca Altarpiece in Oaxaca

Abstract

This article describes the genesis and development of the restauration project for panel paintings belonging to the principal altar piece of the temple of Coixtlahuaca, Oaxaca. Fulfilled by the Seminar-Workshop of Conservation of Easel Paintings (STRPC ) of Escuela Nacional de Conservación, 

Restauración y Museografía (ENCRyM), Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH), this initiative has been focused on the study and treatment of 11 works of art from the Sixteenth Century, attributed to the renowned Sevillian painter Andres de Concha. The text reports mainly the purposes and activities of the project, which has been characterized by an integral approach, aiming to incorporate humanistic and scientific studies with conservation and restoration interventions within a teach-learn environment. It also informs about the results accomplished by the ENCRyM  teachers and students together with a group of specialists of varied disciplines from INAH, and other Mexican academic institutions. It shows the benefits derived from interinstitutional and inter-disciplinary work as an essential factor for the project that attained the rescue, preservation and revitalization of one of the most exceptional mexican groups of paintings concerning historical, aesthetical and tech nological values.