Christ Child Bearing the Instruments of the Passion (acc.# 228017) is a 17th century Peruvian Viceregal painting on copper belonging to the Carl & Marilynn Thoma Art Foundation. The painting depicts the Christ Child on a flower laid path as he carries the instruments of the passion also known as the Arma Christi Paintings executed on copper convey new and challenging preservation issues based on their materials and techniques.. The work had been heavily restored and exhibited several condition issues, including significant overpaint and broad losses. The painting was photographed using multimodal imaging techniques as well as reflectance transformation imaging and multispectral imaging. Analytical techniques including Raman, reflected FTIR, and scanning XRF were performed to better understand the painting’s materials and history. The palette was consistent with historical materials of the region and the period, and indicated the use of earth colors, vermillion, lamp black, lead white, and azurite. Finally, conservation treatments were undertaken to reduce the previous overpaint and improve the aesthetic legibility. The treatment was successful and restored unity to the composition
