The Basilica of 

the  Sacred Heart of Jesus

Interior Restoration of Decorative Finishes & Conservation of Fine Art

The restoration and conservation scope at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart will comprise a number of items that may be identified from the historic photographs. Through analysis and investigation, the original color palette and quality of the decoration will be determined for replication. From existing decorative painting on the ceiling and historic photographs, it is evident that the interior was once highly ornamented using a decorative painting technique called trompe l’oeil. Trompe l’oeil translates from the French to mean, “fool the eye.” The technique creates a kind of optical illusion to simulate three dimensional objects and architectural elements.

Notably, the historic decoration at the walls will be restored, the saints along the sanctuary wall will be polychromed, the Stations of the Cross will also be polychromed as well as the frames restored. As a part of this project, the decorative frames and background of the Crucifixion and Nativity murals by Franz Stecher pictured in the historic photographs to the left will also be restored. Additionally, the existing cracks throughout the interior will be assessed and repaired to prevent further damage to the decoration and artwork. In coordination with restoring the historic decoration, the fine art gracing the walls and ceilings of the Basilica will be conserved so that it may once again be appreciated as it was in its former glory.