Radzyń Podlaski – the Potocki Palace
Sculpted decoration of the Potocki Palace in Radzyń Podlaski by Jan Chryzostom Redler, 2015
The project concerned the conservation of an 18th c. compositions decorating the Western Gate to the Palace. On the entry side, they consisted of allegorical groups representing Military and Civil Architecture separated from each other by the centrally located coat-of-arms cartouches of the Potockis and the Kątskis, and on the courtyard side of Hercules fighting Hydra and Cerberos alternately.
The sculptures were in a very poor condition. The material used—Kunowice marble—is not durable. It was heavily degraded owing to detrimental atmospheric and biological factors. The sculptures were weakened, heavily soiled (almost black) and covered with a thick layer of microorganisms.
Cleaning methods were developed in situ. Pretreated surfaces were thoroughly cleaned with an Nd:YAG Q-switch laser system with a wavelength of 1064 nm.
The sculptures recovered their beautiful color while retaining a layer of natural patina on the surface. After the completion of the remaining treatment, the colors did not need to be "unified" or "merged".