(Photo courtesy of Manila Cathedral Facebook page)
MANILA – The bronze image of the Immaculate Conception of the Manila Cathedral in Intramuros is currently undergoing restoration works.
"After years of dirt and grime, this masterpiece by Italian artist Vincenzo Assenza is undergoing superficial cleaning with non-acidic soap, minor touch-up, and application of protective wax layer,” the cathedral said in a Facebook post on Thursday.
Aside from the image, it said decorative elements are also being regilded with a 24-karat authentic gold leaf.
The cleaning and restoration of the bronze image are among the preparations for the installation of the new head of the Archdiocese of Manila.
“As part of our continuing preparations for the installation of our Archbishop-elect Cardinal Jose Advincula Jr., the 9-feet bronze image of the Immaculate Conception of the Manila Cathedral is now undergoing cleaning and restoration by Jayson Maceo of Atelier Rafael Lopez,” the post said.
Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Reginald Malicdem, rector of the minor basilica, said the cleaning was done in one day.
“It was not a full restoration but just a simple cleaning of the image to remove the dust and dirt on the paint. It was done in one day. It is already finished,” he said in a Viber message. (PNA)
