Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (14.2002(2003))

DEIR EL-BAHARI

EGYPT

had been built into the north wall of the
court originally and then replaced by the
present chapel of Anubis. Since more
blocks from the original niche have been
found {Fig. 3), it will be possible to display
it in the future, perhaps on the bench at
the rear of the chapel of Anubis, thus
conveniently illustrating the different
stages in the architectural development of
the temple.5)
Earlier conservation work in the chapel
of Anubis had been restricted to the most
endangered places. The present effort
concentrated on a thorough conservation of
the decoration {Figs. 4-5). The polychro-
my6) preserved in the chapel was cleaned

after first consolidating the damaged parts
with Primal AC-33 (Rohm & Haas). The
blue and green pigments, which are highly
susceptible to dirt and dust absorption,
were cleaned with Contrad 2000 (10%
solution in water). Modern putties from
the earlier conservation treatment were
replaced with new ones. Surviving ancient
putties were carefully consolidated (with
injections of PRIMAL AC-33). As a last step,
the pigments and ancient varnish applied
in some parts of the decoration were
reinforced with Paraloid B-72. All traces
left by ancient restorers from the post-
Amarna times were also carefully
preserved.


Fig. 3- Fragment of the niche replaced by the Upper Chapel of Anubis
(Photo M. Jawornicki)

5) I am grateful to Dr. M. Witkowski for this idea.
6) Except for parts destroyed in the Amarna period, the decoration of the chapel survives virtually untouched. The most
obvious damages occurred on the south tympanum and were due chiefly to atmospheric factors. Salinity had also caused
some problems. The ancient use of varnish was most certainly an essential factor behind the excellent state of preservation
of the paintings in the chapel.

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