Conservation and condition assessment of the Leo Politi mural and mosaic (1974–1978) located at El Pueblo Historic Monument, Olvera Street.
Overview
The Blessing of the Animals mural and mosaic created by Leo Politi from 1974–1978 are located in front of the Biscailuz building in the El Pueblo Historic Monument. The mural is acrylic executed on plaster and wood substrates. The mural was last treated by Zebala and Partners in 2015. Since the last treatment new damage has occurred, particularly along the base of the wall, where paint is blistering and flaking, most likely due to water splash-back from sidewalk cleaning. Some old cracks and losses are visible. The mural has accumulated surface grime, and the paint is beginning to lose its gloss.
Condition of Mural & Mosaic
The Politi mural was damaged by graffiti and foodstuff in 2022. The maintenance staff used acetone solvent to remove graffiti from the goat figure and removed the foodstuff. The mural and mosaic were examined by Zebala & Partners on December 2, 2022.
The examination found that the mural is in fair to good condition and the mosaic is in poor condition. Sections of the mural and the mosaic are exposed to direct sunlight streaming in through the arched porch. Sun exposure, salt migration from water, and vandalism have led to the following conditions:
Small losses in the paint layer.
Flaking and blistering paint in multiple locations.
Graffiti damage on the goat with a drip of red paint remaining.
Suspected area of overpaint that does not match the surrounding paint layer.
Foodstuff, drips, and accretions on the surface of the paint layer.
A heavy layer of dirt and grime on the surface, overall.
Execution & Process
[Placeholder] Detail step-by-step work: handling, stabilization, cataloging, digitization, conservation tasks, documentation, metadata, or public engagement.
[Placeholder] Summarize impact: improved access, preservation outcomes, community benefits, or exhibition/readiness. Reflect on lessons learned and future recommendations.
