Resources

TRACE 2026

Metodology 

The samples analysed were taken from the gothic baldachin and other silver decorative elements of the altarpiece of the “Virgen de los Reyes”, located in Seville Cathedral (Figure 1). Specifically, the following elements were studied: the Antependium (samples 1, 2), the Baldachin (samples 3, 4, 21), rear panel of the  gothic Tabernacle (samples 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20), the Main Altarpiece (samples 11, 12) and the Canopy (sample 13). All of these were processed using the methodology described below:

Firstly, all sample surfaces were cleaned using a scalpel to remove dust, varnish residues and severely degraded wood, in order to improve the anatomical observation of the samples. Subsequently, each sample was inspected and photographed using a binocular magnifying glass (Leica S9i). This initial observation allowed for a preliminary classification, distinguishing between gymnosperm and angiosperm woods based on their anatomical features. To identify the species, the samples were exposed to UV light and thin sections (20–30 μm) were cut from the different faces of the wood (Figure 2). The resulting sections were placed on a microscope slide, fixed using Eukit as a permanent fixative, and photographed at 10× magnification using a Leica DM 500 microscope, with the aim of focusing on the distinguishing characteristics for species identification.

1) Main Altarpiece.; 2)sampling from the upper part of the interior of the Baldachin; 3) cross section; 4) radial section.

1) Canopy; 2) sampling of the structure; 3) tree ring detail; 4) radial section.

1) Piece 3 of the rear panel of the Tabernacle; 2) sampling of the reverse side (the oldest part); 3) cross section; 4) radial section.

1) Frontal of the Baldachin; 2) inside; 3) take sample; 4) sample detail; 5) cross section; 6) tangencial section.